MV Varsity Cheer Team attended a week-long NCA Camp in July, and walked away with first place in both competition areas, Jam and Gameday. This major accomplishment took time and effort as we made our way to the top of the competition at Arkansas State University.
The weeks leading up to camp were long and busy. MV Cheer coaches constructed two routines. These routines were made for us to perform and build off of at camp. “Jam” consisted of music and dancing. It is more like an average cheer routine, where teams just look to satisfy the judges and achieve a high score on the score sheet. The other, “Gameday” is more of a ballgame atmosphere. Cheerleaders cheer and chant, while incorporating flags, signs, and banners. The goal is to make spectators excited to watch us, and participate in our cheering. With our experienced coaches, working the score sheet was simple. We all saw two first place trophies in our near future.
The four-hour drive to Jonesboro was just as expected: long, uncomfortable, tiring. But when we arrived, we had to be prepared for the long week ahead. Our NCA Staff “Buddy,” Quincy Williams, stayed by our side throughout the camp. He motivated and pushed us to achieve our goals. We all enjoyed his company, as well as his encouraging words.
Not only was he there for emotional support, but he added to and spruced our routines to make them competition-ready.
The last day of camp was the competition. This is what we worked for all week, as well as weeks before, back in MV. Parents and spectators arrived early in the morning, but us cheerleaders arrived earlier. We warmed up our routines hours before we competed. Sore and exhausted, we started competing at 9:30. Our work paid off when we heard, “Mount Vernon Township High School” over the speakers for first place.
NCA camp was an opportunity every cheerleader should experience. We were able to participate in team bonding activities, leadership opportunities, and build our confidence all in a short span of time. It was a week to remember for all who attended.
