Page 104 - 2008

Three eheers !
CCI Fighting Owls Cheer Club
Mter many long years without, cheerleading has made its return to CCI. After some very easy convincing by two eager girls, coaches were persuaded and tryouts were in full swing. Although most cheerleading tryouts are held at the end of the school year in preparation for the coming season, our tryouts were packed into 5 exhausting
in October of 2007. What students quickly realized was that cheerleading has changed; it is no longer your old brand of rah-rah-sis-boom-bah type cheers on the edge of the football field. No, it has reached a whole new level with massive stunting, incredible throws, amazing lifts and extreme energy.
Over 60 students attended the tryouts and although all put forth their best effort only 24 students were selected to become part of the Fighting Owls Cheer Club, otherwise known as FOCC. These students are the most hardworking, dedicated athletes, often having to practice four day per week, at a minimum of 2 hours per practice. Their efforts have paid off as we now have a team worthy of the toughest competitions.
In our first ever competition in London, Ontario the Fighting Owls placed second in their division. With three more competitions coming up this year, hopes are high to do just as well, if not better. Each competition is unique, but the formatting remains the same. The Owls get 2 chances, otherwise known as runs to perform routine and the judges combine both routine scores to get a final total. Each individual run is usually out of points for a combined score of 400 points. During the routine, points are earned by level of difficulty on stunting, tumbling, flying through the air at breakneck speeds, dance skills and overall cheer performance and enthusiasm. Does the term spirit fingers ring a bell?
Cheerleaders, both male and female, have to be multitalented to have a successful year on the cheer team. Athletes must be somewhat skilled in dance and standing gymnastics (walkovers, flips, somersaults) as well as fearless to try new stunts that involve hard landings, frightening twists and unwavering trust in their team-mates. Having some sott of rhythm and the ability to count beats in music is also a must. Each team member works individually on core strength and flexibility, along with regular practice in stunting and tumbling.