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VIDEO: Minnetonka Cheerleaders More Than Just Pom-Poms

Minnetonka Varsity Cheerleaders meet the high demands of athleticism and leadership that are now expected in their sport.

The Varsity Cheerleading Squad took third place in the UCA National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando last month. It was the best finish a Minnesota school cheer squad has had in 31 years.

“They started to really get it when they got to Florida,” said Andre Brewer, coach of the MHS cheerleaders. “They hit their peak at the right time.”

Nationals was a huge victory for the 16 girl squad—a squad that has not only personified school spirit through pom-pom routines at school games but has also shown great altheticism and role-modeling.

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"These are top-notch girls who have a solid work ethic and are committed to their goals,” Brewer said.

And don't let the cute pony tails and flouncy bows fool you. The physical demands and expectations for high school cheerleaders are high and not everyone can meet them.

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“We often talk about them as athletes,” explained Brewer. “Not every person can tumble, lift someone over their head who may weigh more, jump and then be expected to encourage their teams.”

Danni Riley, a senior and cheer squad captain, agreed, “Our sport is longer than most sports in the school, and we work just as hard as anyone.”

Every year, the MHS Varsity Cheerleading Squad starts their season with strength training, practices and summer cheer camp. The fall brings sideline cheering and half-time performances for all Minnetonka varsity football games. And when the football season ends, the squad's competition season begins.

“The biggest misconception is that we cheerleaders come to practice, and all we do is practice yelling. We do that for sideline, but that's not the majority of our time,” said Marcy Adams, one of the squad's captains.

November through February, the girls practice up to 12 hours every week, perfecting their routines and performing in weekly competitions.

 “Our main focus is sometimes competition, and we spend most of our time working on perfecting the dance and the stunts and making sure that we're confident with our routine,” Adams said.

Not only do these girls live up to a high level of athleticism, but they also pride themselves on being role models to the community.

“You see the little girls at the football games, and they all look up to us, so we've got to make sure that we're always role models – whether or not we're in our uniforms, they always know we are the MHS Cheerleaders," said varsity squad member Molly Weavers. "We need to be someone they can look up to.”

 “We're the epitome of school spirit,” Adams agreed.  “We're there to be a good role model for the community, the team, our school, and for girls around the area. That's what we are. We are the cheerleaders.”

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