Sports

To cheer or not to cheer

Metro hopefuls fight for their right to cheerlead

By Justin Rennolds
jrennold@mscd.edu

While most students sleep in on a dreary Saturday morning, a group of dedicated young ladies stretch and prepare for the difficult three hours ahead of them. These dedicated few are aspiring cheerleaders hoping to become members of Metro's club cheerleading team. These girls are ready to compete for the few spots available. It's only 9:00 am.

"I need coffee and a multi-grain bar," said wide-awake sophomore Kyla Long. She is not alone. Most of the athletes auditioning wipe the sleep from their eyes and sluggishly move into their formations, ready to dance. The hopefuls aren't ditsy, nor are they too "girly."

Contrary to popular belief, these cheerleaders are tough as nails, tactful, and devoted athletes. "We're not stupid or all size zeroes," said Amanda Bailey.

After a tough week of strenuous clinics and practices, Metro cheerleading hopefuls have to prove their abilities in front of a panel of judges. Many shine while others fizzle. Many of the aspirants are returning Metro cheerleaders or have cheered in high school and are ready to try out on a college platform.

"I feel more mature and older. I think we're going to be good; there are a lot of good girls here," said 30-year-old Tehra Porterfield. She is the oldest person at the tryouts, but is also one of the more confident hopefuls. Porterfield has been cheering off and on her whole life and longs to perform on a collegiate level with Metro's squad. This is her chance to stick out among her peers.

Thirty-eight male and female athletes crowd the Auraria Event Center; angst and animosity run high. Many of the aspiring cheerleaders are more cool and collected than their competition. The veterans and former high school cheerleaders seem more relaxed. Unlike the "newbies," they feel more comfortable, laughing and talking with the other hopefuls.

"I'm not too nervous, I'm just excited nervous," said Coco Hockady, a Metro freshman and first time cheerer. Her group flawlessly executes their dance routine.

Some groups rehearse their routines while others anxiously stand around and stare down their competition. Everyone in the room is taking the tryout seriously.

"I think it is a competition and I'm nervous because there are a lot of real talented girls here," said sophomore Carly Lobato.

The anxious contestants wait for the opportunity to show off in front of the judges. When their time comes, the groups are instructed by the judges to line-up in a predetermined formation to perform their cheers.

After the exhibition, the groups have the option to tumble or showcase their upper body strength by launching a fellow cheerleader in the air and catching her. The groups that perform the extra stunts earn bonus points and have a better chance of making the team.

Out of the 38 hopefuls at the tryouts, five are burly-looking men. The male attendees rarely dance in the routines or attempt tumbles, but are a vital part of lifting the girls up. They are judged by their strength and ability and are an important part of the team. The men trying out are huge; muscles protrude from their arms as they lift the girls up over their heads with only their hands.

The girls who are lifted into the air may be small in stature, but they are enormously courageous. Putting trust in their boosters, they seem to shrug off the fear as they are lifted six to nine feet above the hardwood floor. The judges look on in approval, often gasping with amazement as the girls balance on one leg on the men's hands.

Male and female athletes perform dance routines and tumbles in groups of four in front of the three-judge panel. Aspirants confidently leap into the air with physical finesse and smiles on their faces. Judges are looking for people who are full of charisma, confident in their abilities, can successfully project their voice and are able to execute basic moves.

"It's hard trying to tumble on a hardwood floor," Lobato said after her performance in front of the judging panel. She is confident in her abilities and is sure she has made the team.

"It's hard to cut people," said Metro Cheerleading coach Keith Espinosa. Only about 20 of the athletes who attended the tryouts will make the team.

A commitment is required of those who make the team. This year, the cheerleading squad will be in attendance at all Metro sporting events, whether they are cheering or not. Coaches are making it mandatory for all of the cheerleaders to exhibit school spirit and "make noise" at the events.

Watch for the Metro cheerleaders to boost school spirit at upcoming Roadrunner events.