The right mixture is hard to find sometimes but after a little bit of experimentation Liberty All Star Cheer hit on the perfect formula.
For Liberty Cheer the winning combination has been Cheerleading Director Nancy Walters? wealth of experience and success in the sport paired with the wildly successful Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy located in the Gateway Park plaza at the corner of White Lake and Andersonville Roads.
‘The all-star cheer program is really starting to take off in the second year of the program,? said Walters who coached Linden High School to two state championships and numerous top five finishes over her 24-year tenure at the school.
Liberty Cheer’s growth has been impressive in only two years. In the first year of the program, only one team was formed. After Walters came on board last year, more than 80 kids tried out leading to the formation of two seperate competitive squads: the Dynamites and the Sparklers.
‘Last year we didn’t know what to expect. They just kept coming to sign up. We were able to realign the teams and add coaching staff,? Walters said.
The senior group, the Dynamites, is comprised of children from eighth through 12th grade and participates in the large senior division in United States All Star Federation’s competitions across the state and nation..
The Sparklers, Liberty Cheer’s co-ed small junior prep team, features children from second to sixth grade. Like their older counterparts, the Sparklers also compete in USASF competitions.
‘All Star is very different from sideline high school cheerleading. It’s what you see on ESPN,? Walters said.
The Liberty Cheer teams have not just been showing up to competitions either, they have been bringing home trophies. At the Michigan Cheerleading Coaches Association’s Fall Championship at Clarkston High School both squads took first place. Over the past few months both teams have enjoyed success at several other competitions.
The most recent highlight for the Dynamites came at Disney World during nationals, Feb. 24-27, which they were crowned champions in their division.
‘This sport enables athletes to learn about themselves and their character. Kids find out they can do more than they thought was possible,? Walters said.
With the registration rush last year Walters expects another great turnout this year.
‘A cheer background is great but not necessary,? Walters said. ‘We’re looking for kids who want to work hard.?
This year’s competitive team tryouts are set for April 29-30 at Stars and Stripes. Registration is now open for the Liberty Cheer Prep Program is available which meets March 30 and April 6, 13 and 27.
For more information on Liberty All Star Cheer call Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy at 248-625-FLIP (3547) or visit them online at www.stargymnast.com.