The Middle School’s first-ever
competition cheerleading squad competed in their first event Saturday, Sept. 22, at 9 a.m. at Model High School.
“Darlington has had the talent to cheer competitively for many years,” said Jenni Butler, head coach. “We are one of the only schools in the Floyd County area that does not have a competitive squad, so varsity head coach Angela Pieroni and I decided to start at the Middle School. All good athletic programs should start young and build. We hope to establish a competitive team at the Upper School in the next couple of years.”
Butler began recruiting and training her squad of competition cheerleaders in May. The girls attended a weekly class at Hot Shots Cheerleading Gym to learn basic skills. In July, the squad went to a three-day, 20-hour camp, also hosted by Hot Shots. There, they worked together as a team on stunting, tumbling and developing a routine. After camp was over, the girls began practicing at the Huffman Center at least once a week for the rest of the summer.
“Our competition routine was choreographed specifically for our squad and skill level by Rachel Magness of Hot Shots,” said Butler. “It includes advanced stunting, tumbling, several jump sequences and a great deal of dance. While there are difficult areas, it is individualized so that each girl may show off her own strengths.”
While learning the routine was definitely hard work, Butler said the girls caught on quickly, kept positive attitudes, and continue to focus on improvement.
The squad is scheduled to compete in four competitions this year. The weekend before their first competition, they attended an event as spectators in order to learn what to expect when they are competing.
“That motivated them, and they are a brand new, refreshed squad now,” said Butler. “They are hitting more stunts and tumbling sequences than ever. Our formations are setting up perfectly, and we are completely focused. The girls are beginning to understand just how much of a team sport this is, and it’s great to see them working together toward one common goal.
“I am so proud of these girls and so thankful for the support we have received from the Darlington community,” Butler continued. “Parents have been phenomenal ... Angela Pieroni, Rachel Harrison and Brenda Bowman have volunteered a lot of time to help get us prepared for our first year. The Athletic Booster Club has generously funded some necessary equipment, and faculty, staff and administrators in general have gone out of their way to make sure this new addition to the athletic department is a success.”
All competitions will take place on Saturday mornings. Future events will take place Sept. 29 at Pepperell High School, Oct. 13 at Rome High and Oct. 27 at Trion High.
Click here for more specifics on these events.
