MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- “NCA was founded in 1948 by Lawrence (“Herkie”) Herkimer. He’s the one (who) invented this uniform we wear today. He’s the one who invented the pom poms, the spirit stick. The style of cheerleading we all enjoy, he pretty much created it all,” said Ritch Ludke, National Cheerleaders Association director of curriculum, during the final awards ceremony at the Far East Cheerleading Clinic.
Cheerleaders of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Pacific and Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools- Guam gathered for a week-long cheerleading clinic held at the Matthew C. Perry High School gymnasium here Nov. 9-13 to advance their skills both as individuals and as a teams.
The Daegu Warriors, Ernest J. King Cobras, Edgren Eagles, Guam Panthers, Kadena Panthers, Kinnick Red Devils, Kubasaki Dragons, M.C. Perry Samurai, Osan Cougars, Seoul-American Falcons, Yokota Panthers and Zama Trojans participated. Throughout the week, the girls are taught cheers, dances, stunts, basket tosses and jumps, starting from the fundamentals and gradually moving to more advanced skills based on ability.
“It’s a really incredible experience. We get to work with kids from different bases, see their growth and improvement throughout the week, and it’s very fulfilling for us,” said Ludke.
To recognize the stand-out athletes, the NCA cheerleaders nominated individuals for the All- American team in one of six categories: jumps, stunts, dance, tumbling, motion technique and leadership. The nominees competed, and one All-American cheerleader was selected from each squad. The selected girls are then eligible to tryout for the NCA All-American team.
“(The All-American cheerleaders are) considered the best of the best,” said Ludke.
In addition to teaching the athletes new skills and building new friendships, the clinic gave the cheerleaders a small piece of home.
“For (NCA) to come here is like, America still loves you,” exclaimed Jessica Graham, captain of the Kadena Panthers and All-American nominee for dance.
Graham said that after being overseas for so long, most of the girls feel secluded and think that people start to forget about them, and that’s why bringing this camp to the Pacific region is so important for them all.
On the final day of the clinic, a final competition was held so the teams could showcase what they’ve accomplished.
A Top Gun competition was also held for those who wanted to compete individually in four categories: tumbling, stunting, dance and jumps.
Teams and individuals were awarded with plaques, trophies, ribbons, medals and banners for various awards.
Taking 1st place in the DoDDS-Pacific and DDESS-Guam large-school division was the Kadena Panthers, followed by the Kinnick Red Devils in 2nd and Kubasaki Dragons in 3rd.
For the DoDDS-Pacific and DDESS-Guam smallschool division, the Daegu Warriors took 1st followed by the Osan Cougars and Edgren Eagles.
The Kubasaki Dragons won the Herkie TEAM Award, named after the founder of NCA, for exemplifying great leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.
The Edgren Eagles and Matthew C. Perry Samurai received the Most Improved award. “(Brandi Raines, Mandolyn Peterson, Patricia Mojica, Karly Chambers and Sasha Shibazaki) did a marvelous job all week,” said Essence Laboy, a M.C. Perry Samurai coach. “ They received spirit sticks Tuesday (through) Friday for their overall attitude, but most importantly, (the coaches) saw their confidence soar throughout the week.”
At the end of the week, the cheerleaders left with new skills, friendships and a great sense of accomplishment.
Graham offered them all a piece of advice. “Don’t take your teammates for granted, because they work hard for you,” she said.