Posted by: Hanna_Alldrin on 10/03/2008 11:59 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 10/03/2008 11:52 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Cheerleading is the Sport They Love ~By Hanna Alldrin
Angels Camp, CA.....Often people forget that cheerleading is more than waving pom-poms and being energetic; cheerleading consists of team that trusts, honors, and encourages each other during a sport they know and love. The Bret Harte High School cheerleading squad faced a true hardship at the beginning of the year, when they couldn't practice or cheer do to the lack of a coach.....
     
Click for a full slideshow! Photos by Hanna Alldrin
Lesa Butler, who owns an All Star Gym in Toyon Circle, was approached by Brittni Valentine a member of the squad to take over this year as the coach, and excepted the position with great passion. The squad began practice on August 18th, almost 10 weeks behind all the other schools squads.
"The girls have to be willing to learn without asking any questions. They put full trust into me and their squad," shared Coach Lesa. Throughout the year Lesa plans on teaching the squad release moves, transitional pyramids, dances, and much more. The routine that you might have seen at homecoming will be completely different by the end of the season. "Each week we will be adding to our present routines," said Lesa.
The mother daughter coaching team, Lesa and A.J. Butler are both certified through the American Association for Cheerleaders. "Safety is the most important thing to remember while cheerleading. If your not safe and cautious a flyer can fall and break her neck," shared Lesa
Lesa and A.J. plan on taking the squad to three different competitions at the end of the basketball season. The competitions include: USA, UCA, and JAMS.
Bret Harte ended the 2007-2008 school year with only 8 squad members, starting the season with no coach and less than a whole squad made these girls determined to show their community what they have. Next year Lesa plan on having a minimum of 60 girls on the team. 20 girls for each team, Frosh, JV, and Varsity.
"The administration and the whole student body supports our squad 110% and we couldn't be anymore grateful," shared Lesa.
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