Cheer, Dance Teams Jump at Chance to Reach the Nationals

A dozen cheerleading and song squads from Southern California schools--most from Orange County--are on their way to the national cheerleading and dance championships in March after qualifying in Saturday’s regional competition at Capistrano Valley High School.

The 1994 Fall Regional Cheer and Dance Championships drew more than 700 students in 28 squads from 17 schools. Elementary to high school-age students in cheerleading outfits filled the gymnasium with noise as they whooped and cheered each other on.

“This is a chance to show the world what they really do,” said Julie Mitchell, the school’s activities director. “Cheerleaders are not seen as athletic, but if you watch them, they are athletic. They need to practice every day.”

More than 1,500 spectators, sporting school logos and carrying banners, packed the bleachers to see the choreographed routines in two separate competitions, one for teams of cheerleaders, the other for dance and song squads.

Each team had two minutes to perform its routine, which included a number of required moves.

“Cheerleaders must mount and tumble,” she said. “Song teams have to pivot, twirl and do leg lifts. Each time a girl falls or misses a move, they lose points.”

Many of the teams performed to hip-hop music, but the crowd went wild when Servite High School’s song squad began dancing to a mix of songs from the soundtrack of Disney’s Aladdin. Though Servite is a private boy’s school in Anaheim, girls from Fullerton’s Rosary High School and Connelly High School in Anaheim cheer for Servite’s sports teams, said Laura Detterich, the squad’s coach.

“I like to make it a lot different from everyone else,” Detterich said. “I like them to have a little fun.”

Judges from the Cheerleaders of America organization evaluated the 28 squads from three age groups on communication, enthusiasm, timing, motion techniques and overall skill. Out of a possible 100 points, a team needed to score 80 to qualify for the nationals in Jacksonville, Fla.

The teams practiced throughout the summer to prepare for Saturday’s regional competition. For some squads, such as the one from MacArthur Middle School, which made it to the national championships, the practicing paid off.

“I’m excited,” said Breanne Killing, 11, after the scores were announced. “But we don’t have enough money. It’s $750 per person and we have 24 people.”

Team coach Eric Anderson said the cheerleaders will try to raise the money from sponsors and by holding fund-raisers. “It’s an awesome team,” he said. “We’re in Santa Ana and we’re not from rich schools. We’re always fund-raising, but it’s hard.”

For many of the squads, Saturday’s event was the first competition ever. One of the more experienced teams, Mater Dei High School’s co-ed squad, scored well.

“Cheerleading is pretty important at Mater Dei,” said Dana Cormie, 17, a varsity cheerleader. “It’s not just a little thing, it’s a sport. We practice seven hours a week, go to games and do schoolwork. It takes a lot of juggling.”

Despite the competition, there was a camaraderie among the teams as they cheered each other on and responded to the rallying cries of the squad performing. While everyone waited anxiously for the judges to announce the scores, many of the squads formed a circle and showed off their moves.

“It’s for support,” said Becky Harkins, 15, a cheerleader for Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo as the De Portola Middle School squad went through its routine on the gym floor. “When you’re out there, it makes you feel a lot better to get a response.”

The students say that constantly practicing their craft brings them together.

“We’re the most unified squad,” said Julianne Bixler, 16, of Rancho Buena Vista High School as teammates in purple and white sweaters and matching skirts gathered around her. “We don’t try to compete against our competition. We compete for ourselves. We don’t have a coach either, so we sometimes meet after school and make up our own cheers. It’s more personal.”

Tim Passalacqua, 17, a member of Aliso Niguel High School’s co-ed team, saved a teammate from falling during a mount. Being one of the five male cheerleaders has its advantages, despite the teasing he must endure, he said.

“People say, ‘Uh, cheerleader?’ but in the end, we’re here with all the girls,” Passalacqua said.

Orange County schools which qualified teams for the national competition are: MacArthur Intermediate School, Mater Dei High School, Capistrano Valley High School, Trabuco Hills High School, Santa Margarita High School, Pilgrims School and Servite High School.

Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista and two teams composed of students from several schools in Bell Gardens also qualified.