Cheer tryouts bring in change

Dance team and cheer team combine to become the spirit squad

By Maggie Thach

Fans might have a hard time finding a dancer or cheerleader at Bulldog Stadium or the Save Mart Center next year.

That’s because for the first time, both the dance team and the cheerleading squad will be combined to form one “spirit squad.”

“ We have two goals in mind with the forming of the spirit squad,” Teena Shields, interim spirit squad director, said. “We want to be one cohesive unit and maintain fan involvement, and we want to maximize our budget.”

In previous years, cheerleading and dance had been under the supervision of the Division for Student Affairs. Now, administrators want to bring it back under the umbrella of the athletics department. With this move, the department hopes to provide the members of the squad with more services and privileges.

“ We’re providing them with an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach,” Shields said. “We need to treat and appreciate them as athletes.”

Shields and the athletics department hope the union will be beneficial for all members involved.

“ It’s going to be good for the department, squad and fans,” Shields said. “We hope it builds.”

The biggest difference for next year will be that everyone will wear one uniform— even though squad members will have different talents. Athletics wants the group to be a cohesive unit.

“ If someone tries out and that person is a dancer, she will be asked to do basic moves and cheers and be there for cheer activities. At halftime, the dancers will dance,” Shields said. “We want to utilize 110 percent of the girls’ talent.”

Kaysi Coelho, a junior who has been on the cheer squad for the past two years, said she feels the move is a good thing.

“ Them bringing it back under the athletics program is the best thing that could have happened,” Coelho said. “Now we can emphasize all talents.”

Tryouts were held last Friday from 5-9 p.m. in the North Gym. Veterans and incoming freshmen alike came to display their skills. Some traveled from as far as San Diego for a chance to be on the squad.

“ I’m really nervous, but I’m semi-confident,” Christina New said, currently a senior at Mira Mesa High School in San Diego.

New said she hopes the experience of her three years on her school’s competition squad will come in handy.

“ I’m hoping to impress them with my stunting,” New said.

Kristen Kawaguchi, another incoming freshman from Central High School, felt that same nervousness.

“ I’m just nervous and excited,” Kawaguchi said. “I’d probably have to start taking dance lessons but if I make it. I’d be willing to do that.”

Kawaguchi’s stunting partner, Josh Hatfield, was one of the few guys to come to the tryout.

“ If dance is going to hurt me, I’ll do what I need to do,” Hatfield said. “But, I think I can make the squad. I don’t want to be big-headed, but I think I can wow the judges with my back handsprings and tucks.”

Even though Hatfield has only competed in cheer for a year, he said she still understands what it takes to be competitive at the next level.

“ You have to have a lot of dedication and put in the time,” Hatfield said.

According to Coelho, a two-year veteran, that’s just the mentatlity that new squad members must have.

“ It’s different from high school,” Coelho said.

“ You are a college athlete now. There are a lot of expectations.”