DECATUR -- Youth in Decatur had the opportunity to learn from Decatur High School cheerleaders what it takes to be cheerleaders.
Twenty-five youths from kindergarten through grade seven gathered for a three-day cheerleading clinic in the auditorium at Northside Elementary in Decatur on Feb. 3-5. The clinic concluded with the campers participating with the Decatur High School cheer team in a halftime show during the Decatur-Mountainburg senior boys' game Friday at Lloyd Peterson Gym.
The clinic was hosted by the Decatur High School cheer team under the direction of Chelsea Robinson, cheer coach.
"They come in for three days to learn a cheer, a chant and a dance," Robinson said. "Then they perform with us (senior high team) on the fourth day."
The idea started last fall during football season in response to a request for a youth cheer team to complement the growing Decatur summer youth sports programs.
"A few parents asked if we could start a peewee cheer team since we already have a peewee sports program in place," Robinson said.
The senior high cheerleaders worked with the younger participants, instructing them in the proper cheerleading stance, rhythm and formation building.
On Friday night, the kids marched onto the basketball court at Peterson Gym and performed a set of five cheers. The young group had the packed home section on their feet showing their Bulldog pride.
Robinson plans to have two peewee cheer camps each year. She hopes that, by getting them interested in cheerleading at an early age, they will join the high school team and fill the voids left by graduating members.
Sports on 02/11/2015