Cheer provides spirit, enthusiasm
Campus Times
October 16, 1998
Try-outs for prospective cheer members took place Thursday, Oct. 1.
Since then, Homecoming preparations have kept the squad "on their toes."
Their performance at next week's game is to be comprised of various dance
routines. Mascots Tricia Smith, Christine Cano, and Clint Rodgers share
ideas and try out stunts during Wednesday's practice, while the cheer squad's
hip-hop music creates a fun atmosphere.
After watching the University of La Verne's (ULV) football team crush
Occidental for the season opener nearly a month ago, many ULV students may
have asked, "Where are the cheerleaders?"
Cheerleaders are a vital necessity to any sport because they add intensity
and spirit to the fans and the atmosphere of any game.
For two weeks now, the 1998 cheerleading squad has been preparing for
their debut, which is anticipated to be during Homecoming Week. Their first
performance will be at the bonfire following Thursday's powder puff game
at Ben Hines Field, as well as at the halftime show during next Saturday's
football game vs. Redlands.
"This is one of the best squads I've seen yet, even when I was
here," said cheer coach and ULV alumna, class of 1997, Amber Rodriguez.
Tryouts were held in the aerobics area of the Supertents on Oct. 1.
Out of the 15 girls that tried out, 10 were chosen later that evening by
Rodriguez and Assistant Coach Gina Cerullo, sophomore.
Cerullo is serving as an assistant as a part of her work-study program.
Also to serve as coach is 1997 ULV alumna Makayla Benjamin, who currently
works for the University Office of Admissions.
Senior Diane Ramos is the only member returning to the squad this year.
The remainder of the unit consists of sophomore Shellie Etheridge and freshmen
Andrea Salcedo, Jennifer Desy, Cecilia Japiva, Danielle Hines, Stephanie
Rose, Nicole Williams, Armita Garcia and Deja Collier.
"The girls are really talented and a lot of them have a background
with dance and gymnastics," said Rodriguez. "Most of them have
cheerleading experience from high school."
The squad will also feature three mascots, as freshmen Christine Cano,
Tricia Smith and Clint Rodgers, have begun preparing for their role on the
squad.
The squad practices on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and
currently concentrates on preparations for their Homecoming performance.
Their routine will be of a 90s theme, with music coming from the "Dr.
Doolittle" movie soundtrack.
"Our routines are more dance-orientated," said Ramos. "We
are trying to get away from how we were in previous years in terms of commitment,
attitude and effort."
After Homecoming week, the squad will also be performing at ULV's last
home game, which is scheduled for Nov. 14, against Menlo, and will be making
appearances at all home games for the men's basketball team.
