Cheerleading Clinic Has Big Turnout

Fourth graders S-C-O-R-E! Learning their cheers came easily to this bunch.

The Garden City High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading squads recently hosted more than 140 girls at a cheerleading clinic on Saturday, May 5. Open to children in grades 2 through 7 and held at the GCHS gym, the clinic introduced the girls to the fundamentals of cheerleading. They learned several basic cheers and a toe touch jump, and they played a few fun cheerleader camp games like "Ships and Sailors," all under the supervision of Coach Sara Tucci and Coach Lisa Marino and the two cheerleading squads.

"It was the most amazing thing to see 140 girls smiling and cheering their hearts out," said Nancy Kalafus, District Director of Physical Education and Athletics. "We can't wait for them to try cheerleading when they reach the high school. Congratulations to Coach Tucci and Coach Marino for doing such a great job with this clinic." All proceeds from the clinic will go toward helping the two cheerleading squads train for upcoming competitions. Plans are already under way for the 2008 cheerleading clinic, so watch for more information next spring.

The 2007 Cheer Clinic Committee: back row, l to r-Meg McDonald, Susan Kelly, Gloria Sena, Lisa Harrison, Terry Dukes, Heather Fiala; front row-JV Coach Lisa Marino, Varsity Coach Sara Tucci.

Varsity captain Ashley Repetti (r) gave the girls plenty of one-on-one guidance. A good smile is important if you want to be a cheerleader. The 2006-2007 JV cheerleading squad demonstrated their competition routine. Hit the deck! Playing the cheer camp game "Ships and Sailors" was a big hit. GCHS cheerleaders Allison Lloret, Jessica Prisco and Maggie Fiala lead the girls in a cheer. Second graders practicing a hand clap Touchdown! These girls have this cheer motion down pat. Some of the fourth graders try out the liberty motion. Having lots of fun at the cheer clinic.