Muhlenberg Youth Competiton Cheer: Legendary

With nicknames like Bozo, Beast, and Melon, the 17 girls that make up the M. T. A. A. Competiton Cheer squad certainly have a personality all their own. This is the humor that has defined this team for the past 5 years. Although these girls have stepped up their level to keep up with the sport of competitive cheerleading, the squad agrees with not only hard work, dedication, and teamwork, but also to keep it fun with their quirky personalities. That's what keeps Allison Pike and Colby Blankenbiller coming back each year. For Aliyah Mengle, "it's a goal you set, something you work hard to accomplish." In 2002, competitions were starting to get fierce. The coaches were wondering if they should take their squads to the next level. The coaches decided, "yes, these girls have what it takes". The next 5 years would be filled with victory and success, 1st place trophies, and, in March 2006, the National Championship. Lindsay Lenhart, Katelynn Allen, and Amanda Eckert agree, "Nationals was my best memory so far." Why did they decide at the ages of 10-12 to participate in such a dangerous sport? Emily Scheck and Sami Jo German love to stunt even though it's the most dangerous part of this sport. Alysia Gauby agrees, "my coaches tell me to get in there and stick it because 'you can do it.'" Bailey Adams enjoys "having the spotlight and all eyes on you." Devan Galan loves "the bus rides to the competitions and having the curlers in our hair. It's a time to bond with the squad." Madison Moran "just loves to cheer and can't stop." Latina Garcia, "loves to get out there and win...people don't think cheerleading is a sport but it is. We just throw people instead of balls." Coaches Stacy Galan and Ashley Becker, with the help of assistant coaches, Jade Galan and Chandelle Colon, teach the girls that success isn't necessarily winning, but knowing you've done your best. Also, we need to treat other squads with respect because they practice just as hard. This has impressed upon the 17 girls at practices, cheer camp, and competitions. Bailey Gibson says, "we're a family, we trust each other." New teammate, Tatyana Sosa, agrees that being the "new" girl isn't easy but "they all treated me like I've always been there; everyone helped me." The coaches state that the strength of their squad is in their versatility. "We have girls who can base and fly, who can do every job. We didn't want to discriminate against a girl because she's tall," says Coach Stacy. "It adds to our team's physical strength," adds Coach Ashley. "Their drive and determination are unimaginable." The Muhlenberg youth competition cheer squad would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and helped fundraise to get the team everything they needed, including the new uniforms that they'll be sporting this year. A special thanks to their parents for their support, for their patience dealing with the many practice changes, and, as Rachael Santiago says, "for paying for me to do it." The girls also want to thank the coaches for their time, for teaching them how to be great cheerleaders, and for giving them a family away from home. In the words of Katie Zezenski, "thanks to my team and my coaches because without them, there wouldn't be a squad."