It’s not just Halloween that’s catching on in rural Australia, the all-American discipline of cheerleading has made it’s way to Coonamble High School.
Local girls have embraced the high-energy sport which is a combination of gymnastics and dance.
They have been training for over twelve months under the guidance of Coonamble Girls Academy co-ordinator Imogen Shipley.
On Friday 13 October fifteen students travelled to Sydney to compete for the first time in the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation’s Scholastic Nationals Cheer and Dance Championships.
The competition was held at the Sports Centre in Sydney Olympic Park and involved hundreds of athletes performing in front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd.
“We went into the warm-up hall to find state-of-the-art equipment to practice on before our big moment,” Ms Shipley said.
“The girls were excited and nervous however we were made very welcome by the backstage crew.”
Although they didn’t bring home any prizes, the squad was more than pleased with their achievements at the event.
“The girls hit every stunt,” said Ms Shipley.
“It was the best they have performed so far.
The crowd was deafening, cheering on our cheerleaders.”
Ms Shipley said the judges’ feedback was beyond her expectations.
“Several of the judges and crew said it is unusual for a first-time team to hit all their stunts and do such a great job,” she said.
Cheerleading is judged not just on the sum of its parts, but on the overall entertainment value of superior technical athleticism combined with creative presentations.
