WNCAA cheerdance title

MANILA, Philippines - Employing a basic nuts-and-bolts routine without risky stunts, the De La Salle Zobel grade school pep squad executed a precise act to edge Poveda by a point for the 42nd WNCAA cheerdance championship at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium recently.

It was a tight competition among five schools that enlisted kids within the age range of 11 to 13 from Grades 5 to 7. Aside from Zobel and Poveda, the other entries were Miriam College, St. Scholastica and St. Paul Pasig.

The joust was a one-time event with no eliminations or semifinals. Favored to win were defending champion St. Paul Pasig and last year’s runner-up Poveda. But the La Salle tykes, coached by Zobel high school social studies teacher Leah Marie Castillo, upset the odds with a clean delivery that highlighted a synchronized effort.

“The competition was tough because Poveda and Miriam had impressive routines,” said Castillo who started the Zobel cheerdance program in 2005 and was a pep squad performer herself during her school days. “But I think the others relied too much on their stunts, like tumbling and pyramids. Basically, we followed the rules down to the very last detail. We didn’t have any lifts or pyramids like all the other schools because they weren’t in the criteria for judging. Our routine was simple but clean and organized.”

Castillo said with minimal errors, the Zobel squad displayed a high level of energy on the floor. “They made a great impact,” she continued. “I purposely ended our routine with the traditional La Salle spelling cheer which pumped up the La Salle gallery. Also, we entered and exited the court in an orderly manner.”

The criteria for judging included basic cheerdance elements like arm motions, kicks, leaps, splits, turns, pirouettes, synchronization, expression, overall impact, creativity and degree of difficulty. The judges in the competition were professionals accredited by Cheerleading Philippines.

All 24 La Salle kids, called Baby GAP for “Baby Green Archer Pep,” were on the floor at the same time and their smooth routine drew applause from the big crowd of students, school officials, families and supporters. The tykes were chosen from a pool of hopefuls during tryouts two years ago. Castillo, a Zobel graduate in 2000, chose the 24 students for the pep squad – Briana Aguas, Yna Albarracin, Elisha Balina, Feliza Bueno, Annelle Dy, Daniella Evan, Bianca Fernandez, Sabrina Fernandez, captain Shantel Gruenberg, Lizzie Jaehn, Sophie Ladao, Marielle Livelo, Chloe Magpayo, Chesca Mendoza, Michelle Orbeta, Erika Palacios, Janel Regis, Majah Resuello, Rowena Rocha, Lyka Samson, Kristine Santos, Iza Socorro, Alison Solis and Janella Varias.

Castillo said the victory wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Zobel’s Sports Development Office which coordinates with the WNCAA Board. Among the Zobel administrators who attended the competition were school president Br. Dennis Magbanua, grade school principal Ruby Ramos, Lasallian Formation and Mission Department director Evangeline de Peralta, Sports Development Office assistant Ace Gacutan, student clubs and activities office head Heidi Caldo and campus ministry office head Geriz Bigol.

Castillo said cheerdance is a sport that requires hard work, discipline and commitment. Describing cheerleaders as admirable and dedicated athletes, she said, “they must be prepared physically and mentally…training more than twice a week enhances the skills but learning and practicing discipline adds to the strong and resilient character of cheerleaders…once a cheerleader is committed to be at her best and chooses to exceed what is expected of her, then she will truly succeed.”

A cheerdance parent, Ayi Magpayo, said, “While fearful of injuries, my wife and I have always encouraged our daughter (Chloe) to have a well-rounded Lasallian experience…getting her into sports has been a wonderful added dimension as it has taught her determination, focus and teamwork…no feeling can ever approximate the joy of seeing one’s child compete with such sportsmanship and win.”

The grade school routine prohibits tossing into the air, a maneuver that has caused major injuries in cheerleading. “Lifting is allowed but no points are given so Coach Leah decided to focus on delivering a clean routine with precision,” said Magpayo.

The tossing routine has made cheerleading one of the top 10 most dangerous sports in the world along with horseback riding, lacrosse, gymnastics, bull riding, soccer, football, hockey, motocross and rugby league, according to the-top-tens.com. “One tiny mistake in cheerleading can leave many injured,” the website said. “The reason it’s so dangerous is because it’s five different girls working together to accomplish one task and when one thing goes wrong, all of them are at risk.”

Chana Schoenberger, writing in forbes.com, said, “Cheerleading is actually the most injury-prone sport for women…being tossed high into the air by teammates is risky business for the head and spine and ankle injuries are common but whether it’s football, cycling or cheerleading, doctors say there are ways to keep safe.”