Bigger, Faster, Stronger: Cheerleading Takes On A New Level

More than 100 girls tried out for the upcoming PFCA cheerleading season.

Unlike previous years when the cheerleaders were broken up into age groups, this year they'll be broken up into skill levels. 

"We really do need to conform to what’s happening in order to effectively compete at competitions because they go and all of the other teams have gone with skill levels when we’re still stuck at a grade level," PFCA co-founder Susie Buehler said.

"It hurt us in competitions because our younger girls were competing against older girls because of the age breakup," PFCA co-founder Cindy Carlson said.

Psychologically, the new divisions are an adjustment for the girls.

"It’s really hard for some of the girls because seventh graders thought that they would automatically move up to varsity. Well, that’s not happening this year because it goes with what they can do.  Same thing with the Pee Wee’s, the fifth graders thought they would go up to JV, and that’s not happening,” Pee Wee coach Terri Miller said.

"By changing the age groups, this gives girls a shot to move up that normally wouldn’t be there,” PFCA co-President Jill Yeger said.

The coach’s talked during last weekend's tryouts about what they look for in their cheerleaders.

"Obviously we look for skill, but you also look for potential because there’s kids entering the program that haven’t had the benefit of instruction. You can just tell, 'That kid has some potential.' They just need someone to refine their skills," Buehler said.

Carlson went on to say, "You also look for someone that’s enthusiastic, who wants to be there. Sometimes they might not have the perfect technique, but your eyes are drawn to them because they’ve got something."

"We’re looking for girls that are hard working, willing to try their best, how outgoing they are -- if they have a little bit of cheerleading background, especially for the older teams," Pee-Wee assistant coach Sarah Miller said.

The PFCA held clinics prior to the tryouts where the girls learned the dances and jumps for their tryout routines.

"At the clinics, they’re always being observed, how well do they take instruction, how well do they work as a team," Buehler said.

Carlson said they take into consideration, "Attitudes with one another, attitudes with the coaches, and how quickly they pick up things."

Morgan Dixon, Sarah Sidoti, Shannon Sherwood, Olivia Catalanoti and Jackie Rigby each stopped by to talk about their emotions during the tryout process.    

"When you learn the routines it’s important to practice all the time so when you get out there you can do it and it’s solid," Dixon said. "In the house, while I’m walking, I practiced the motions."

"When you go out there it’s really quiet, and they’re (coaches) just taking notes and looking at you the whole time," Sidoti said.

"During the routine I was thinking that I can’t mess this up, and the coaches were all looking at me," Sherwood said.

"I can’t mess up because then they’re (coaches) going to say that she didn’t remember the routine," Catalanoti said.

"Before today, I practiced a lot, even at school and stuff, at gym before it starts and before school starts at the beginning of the day," Rigby said.

The Mini’s division is a new level added this season. It comprises of girls eight and under. The goal is to start as a Level One team, but the hope is that they’ll be a Level Two squad by the end of the season.

"It’s basically a beginner team," Mini’s coach Paula Dunn said. "Most of them will be learning a cartwheel, a roundabout and hopefully by the end of the season they’ll all be at the same skill level."

"To embrace the younger girls who have always looked up to the older girls, and now suddenly there’s a spot for them," Buehler said.

Looking back, founders Buehler and Carlson are thrilled at how the PFCA has evolved over the nearly 20 years of existence.

"When we first started, we had 27 girls from first grade to ninth grades, it just blossomed into what it is today," Carlson said.