Misawa cheerleaders reclaim title

  • Published
  • By Airman James B. Bauer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Robert D. Edgren High School cheerleading team won the Far East High School Cheerleading Competition Division II title in November at the Matthew C. Perry High School, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

With the exception of last year, Edgren has been named the Far East Small Schools Champion three times in the last four years, and this year marked the reclamation of the title.

"We brought it back home where it belongs," said Dr. Leah Sledge, cheer team sponsor and Advancement Via Individual Determination teacher at Edgren High School. "They worked hard for it, and they just did an outstanding job."

During the five-day Far East Cheer Camp, 11 cheerleading squads from Pacific Department of Defense Dependents Schools trained and learned routines, warm-ups, chants and dances.

"They took some of their own material," said Dr. Sledge. "But while there, they learned new material they had to perfect and perform in competition with five other division II small schools."

Staff members from the National Cheerleading Association, who have overseen the Far East Cheer event since 2000, critiqued and perfected the cheerleaders' routines. The NCA also recognized superior cheerleaders based on a personal performance on the last day of the competition.

"All-American is the cheer version of an all-star team," said Dr. Sledge. "We had 80 percent of our team nominated to be considered for All-American, and two of them made it."

Senior Lizzie Sather, the Edgren cheer team captain, and freshman Justin Crawford were the selected nominees.

"It was a dream come true for my senior year and as captain," said Lizzie Sather. "We had a lot of obstacles, but ultimately we worked together as a team the entire time, and all of our hard work paid off. I've never been so proud of my team."

In addition to the division II title, Edgren also received the safety, perfection before progression, organization, technique (S.P.O.T.) award for taking the necessary steps and precautions to prevent injuries during stunts, as well as the Far East Top Team Spirit Award.

"I think it is our most special award," said Kristen Bryant, Edgren's assistant coach. "All of the teams at Far East voted and chose one team that displayed the most sportsmanship, and really just got along with everyone there. So, out of all of the schools, we received the most votes for our attitude, teamwork and being all around great kids."

Throughout the five days, the NCA evaluated the teams by looking for specific fundamentals including technique, stunting levels and abilities, and attitude. Teams that received top scores during the week were invited to compete at the national championships in the U.S.

"Everybody is just thrilled," said Dr. Sledge. "The team learned a lot while at camp. They took a lot with them, compliments of the staff that works with them here. Assistant coaches Bobbie Kane and Kristen Bryant and Pamela Tucker, Edgren's head coach, who is currently deployed with the Army to Afghanistan, had been working with them to get them conditioned and prepared, so when the school year started, they were ready to go."