So who picks a career in cheerleading?
In the beginning…
I have a very clear memory of standing in my grandma’s basement learning ‘Tip Top Team’ from my Aunt Chris. By the way 30 years later, Chris can still do the entire Faulkton School Song, just ask her, but be prepared… She WILL do it! (no matter where she is!)
I have a very clear memory of standing in my grandma’s basement learning ‘Tip Top Team’ from my Aunt Chris. By the way 30 years later, Chris can still do the entire Faulkton School Song, just ask her, but be prepared… She WILL do it! (no matter where she is!)
Meet Aunt Chris...
While I cannot say that this was a solid foundation for my ‘cheer career’ it did inspire me. Sadly, Rockham South Dakota had very little to offer the aspiring cheerleader. So my youth cheerleading career was limited to the brilliant chanting of ‘Get on the Good Foot’ (no, I’m not joking) and ‘Step Aside’.
Junior High looked a little like this...
That's me - back center
By the way in the front is my friend Alicia, from la famille, who helped me start blogging! :)
And this...
Let just say this is taken from a downward angle, and I'm sure it was much higher than it appears! ;)
High School was a little better...
I'm in the front with the sign. I was the only freshman on the team. (I was the only cheerleader in my class through out high school.) Boo...
Front right (we thought we were pretty cool! State Champions)
As a Coach...
You may be thinking that I missed a few people (insert mom frowning). I didn't! I saved them for this point in my life. Of course my parents influence didn't start as I began coaching, however I guess you could say my parents taught me how to coach. Not because they had big coaching careers - they both did some coaching with recreational programs - but because they taught me how to teach others.
They both have mastered the art of getting their point across and making you think it was your idea, (let’s not say manipulate) and this is extremely important when working with cheerleaders – especially high schoolers! J They taught me how to have fun while still being an authority figure. My parents taught me the fine line of what to take seriously and what to not take too seriously.
And then came this guy...
Ha Ha I'm sure he will love this picture as much as I do! ;)
I really struggled with what to write here. How do I put into words what this man has done for me? We have been together since I was 13 years old (but if my kids ask it was 19!) He has been to more cheerleading competitions than he probably thought possible, and knows more terminology that he ever wanted too. There are many nights when I come home from the gym and he has all the homework done and the kids in bed. He has had a hand in every part of our business from accounting to janitorial, from management to choreography. Okay just kidding about the choreography!
Scott has supported us while I stayed home with our three girls and supported me when we decided to try and make a career out of a hobby. He gives me the courage, support and love to be able to dream bigger for myself and my family. He gives me strength.
These two…
Sorry this is pathetic, but they don't often take pictures together!
These are my in-laws Beverly and Jerry. They were actually the first people to suggest to me that we should build a cheer gym. To put this in perspective they raised four sons who wrestled and played football but I don’t think they had seen any more cheerleading than at wrestling or football. So let’s just say they went out on a limb… Oh yeah and then they built an 11,000 square feet gym. I’ve got to say, it can be a little scary to have that much faith put into your career! I hope I can do them proud!
My Friends…
I did find I need to take more pictures with my friends!
Oh my wonderful, wonderful friends! Thank you to all my friends who have listened to me go on and on (and on) about cheerleading! Thanks for all the advice and problem solving for my cheer drama! I am humbled, ecstatic, in awe and generally thankful for all the wonderful families who have supported us. I cannot believe how many people are willing to help with things big or small!
