For Apalachee High School competition cheerleading coach Stephanie Jordan, preparation in all aspects is key for her squad.
“To prepare for the season, the girls have to get into not only physical shape but mental shape as well,” the AHS coach said. “These girls cheer Thursdays and Fridays and compete Saturdays with Sundays being the only day off. Many have part time jobs and the majority of the girls are in advanced classes. These are good, hard working girls.”
The AHS squad began learning its routine during the summer and have practiced it consistently each week since.
“Our biggest obstacle to overcome is the fact that we have bases that are lifting girls the same size, if not smaller than them and girls that have never been bases or flyers before,” Jordan said.
Jordan and Brian Cohen work primarily with the varsity squad with Jennifer Hanna and Kelley Llwellayn coaching the junior varsity.
Jordan said the coaches support each other since the JV program is the future for the varsity.
“Towards the end of the season we’ll pull up several JV girls to finish out the season with us, making sure that the best 16 are ready to compete at region the first weekend in November,” Jordan said.
This year’s region competition is being hosted by Loganville High School.
“Both these squads represent the competitive team and football squad,” Jordan said. “We practice everyday. JV doesn’t usually practice on Thursdays because they have games, but when it’s away we practice. This is by far the most talented group of girls I’ve worked with over the years.
“We’ve increased tumbling ability each year. We have needed to increase our tumbling in order to be contenders in the 4A region. I have complete confidence that these girls can accomplish anything they want. I’m very proud of what they have accomplished so far. “
Varsity squad members for the 2009-2010 season include Olivia Hafliger, Meagan Perry, Marah Brock, Hope Manders, Rebecca Taylor, Lindsey Pritchett, Shannon Basford, Ashley Schwanemann, Ashley Caughey, Lauren Stapleton, Suzy Groen, Jade Rogers, Carlee Brodie, Jordon Tullis, Rebecca Powers and Alyssa Harrison.
Hafliger, Perry, Brock, Manders and Taylor are the team’s seniors.
Junior varsity members for this season include Caitlin Blalock, Taylor Walker, Victoria Gaddis, Alexis Mosley, Shelby Hanna, Abigail Gebo, Shianne Lockhart, Miranda Wegner, Irelin O’Donnell, Kayla Vickery, Jessica Gray, Jennifer Newman, Brittany Smith and Ashley Stout.
