BY KATIE MCELVY
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — The Chambers Academy JV and Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended cheer camp hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association at Troy University. Thirty-three teams all from AISA member schools spent the week learning cheers, chants, dances and stunts in preparation of the upcoming football and basketball seasons.
In addition to learning and perfecting new material, cheerleaders were also evaluated on routines each day and participated in nightly competitions. Both teams earned all superior ribbons for their performances.
One of the most anticipated competitions of camp is always the jump off. This year was no different with over 80 girls competing in two divisions. Varsity’s Talley Carter and JV’s Jersy Richardson were both named jump off champions in their divisions.
On the third day of camp, nine varsity members and seven JV members tried out for UCA All-American. In order to be selected for this prestigious honor, cheerleaders must make a minimum score on jumps, cheer and dance skills. Those selected are announced on the final day of camp.
Camp closes with two competitions. The first is a camp dance competition where teams must perform a dance learned that week and incorporate a stunt sequence. The second competition is the Spirit Competition featuring a band chant, sideline and cheer.
The JV team won first place in the sideline competition, and the varsity team brought home a superior trophy for their performances.
Individual recognitions were given to several members of each squad. Skylar Andrews, Izzy Ankerson, Blakely Allen, Emmalee Jackson, Jersy Richardson and AnnaBelle Robinson were named UCA All-Americans for the JV team while Ansley Carter, Kayla Howard, Halle Hurst, Anna Kate Jackson, MeLeah Tiger and Cambryn Still received the honor for the varsity team. Talley Carter, Kayla Howard, Halle Hurst and MeLeah Tigner were chosen as AISA All-Stars. They will cheer at the AISA All-Star Football and Basketball Games this season.
Finally, seven girls were chosen to receive the Pin-It Forward Award. This select group is chosen because they exemplify why America needs cheerleaders. Those chosen for this honor were Talley Carter, MeLeah Tigner and Cambryn Still from varsity and Izzy Ankerson, Blakely Allen, AnnaBelle Robinson and Sara Kate Shaver from JV. The JV team is coached by Katie McElvy, and the varsity team is coached by Laurie Phillips.
