SCOTT: West Central Cougars strut the stuff at NCA cheer camp
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By BETH ZUMWALT
Submitted photo
The West Central Cheer leaders who competed for All-American Honors were, left to right, Emma Stice, Josey Miller, Ali Peterson and Emma Howard. The girls tried out individually and had to earn a score of 23/30. The tryout consisted of doing three jumps, a floor cheer, demonstrating spirit and an optional tumbling pass. Each of the West Central girls had well over 23 points.
The West Central Cougars cheer squad attended cheer camp at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. last week, and came home with several awards.
“We got three superiors in chants, cheer and band chant,” Candy Miller, cheer sponsor, said. “After our overall evaluation, we received a perfect 10.”
By achieving the coveted score, the girls have received a bid to compete at Nationals, held in January 2023 in Texas.
“I haven’t looked into it,” Miller said. “I’m not sure whether we would be able to attend or not.”
The team also achieved the Herkie, a team award voted on by other squads, and won technical excellence awards in overall performance and band chant.
Individually, all 14 girls from West Central were chosen to go out for All-American Cheerleader.”
Those were rated on basic jumps, tumbling, motions, stunts, dance and leadership.
“Members the NCA staff worked with each group of girls and observed and nominated those they felt worthy,” Miller said. “If nominated they can try out for All American.
To make All American, a girl had to score 23 of 30 points. Four girls from West Central far exceeded the minimum: Ali Peterson, Emma Stice, Emma Howard and Josey Miller.
“Josey Miller was also chosen to try out to be an NCA instructor next year,” Miller said. “You have to be a senior.”
Submitted photo
The West Central Cheer leaders who competed for All-American Honors were, left to right, Emma Stice, Josey Miller, Ali Peterson and Emma Howard. The girls tried out individually and had to earn a score of 23/30. The tryout consisted of doing three jumps, a floor cheer, demonstrating spirit and an optional tumbling pass. Each of the West Central girls had well over 23 points.
The team also received the spirt stick and was number one in their school size division.
“One of the instructors asked me how many were in our high school,” Miller said. “I told him the enrollment of both Winchester and Bluffs and he said ‘You mean there are more people at this camp, than at both of your schools?’”The girls will take a couple of weeks off, then start practice in August for football season.
“We are also going to be at the Bluffs Picnic, August 20, selling apple nachos and doing face painting,” Miller said.
She also said that the 14-member squad was a really good group of girls and they work well together.
“They work hard and encourage each other,” Miller said. “And we have a good support system of parents and grandparents.”
