FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
67
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
THERE’S NO ‘I’ IN TEAM
//
I
n any sport, sportsmanship is one of the biggest factors. In
competitive cheer, it is the biggest factor.
In cheer, relying upon each other can be the most difficult
aspect of the sport—more difficult than executing the tumbling
passes and keeping the flyer solid in the air. At my gym, the
sportsmanship of many of the athletes was the weight
holding us down from our potential.
My team got offered an amazing opportunity to
compete in the Summit All-Star Cheerleading
Championship in Orlando, Florida. Only 22 teams
in our division were given this opportunity, and
we were one of them.The feeling wasn’t exactly exciting…
more incredibly nerve-racking. We weren’t ready.
Our road to Summit had just begun.
Leading up to the competition, the team had many victories. We
also suffered some losses due to avoidable mistakes.The worst mistake
wasn’t on the competition mat, but the mindset. After winning at our
previous competition, an unhealthy mindset began to settle in. A lot of
the teammates got too relaxed.
Not everyone on the team got comfortable with where they were.
For myself, I understood we still had to prove ourselves and that the
fight wasn’t over. Not everyone felt that way, though. Practices became
negative with people murmuring under their breath, “I want to go
home already,” or “why are we doing this section again?” I and other
athletes had to push the team to continue, not to lose our drive.
Summit was no longer looming ahead in the distance. Before we
knew it, it was time to pack our bags and head to Orlando.This was
a reality check for the team. We made it to the final competition that
every team in our division wanted to compete at. No more waiting, the
time is now.
Competition day was finally here. Walking into the ESPN
complex where we would compete for the final time, the excitement
and nerves kicked in stronger than ever before. Seeing cheerleaders
from all over the world also getting ready to “leave it on the mat,” I
honestly have never felt so much anxiety for any competition.
The sportsmanship for this last competition will rest in my
memory forever. Once we took the mat for the last time, my anxiety
from earlier turned into adrenaline as the lights fell upon the stage
and I took a deep breath before the music came on. I could feel every
athlete in tune with each other. Our last routine was the best we
could’ve made it, even though we didn’t advance to finals.
Sportsmanship is the key to any sport, especially a team sport. It
can make or break a team, even an athlete.
– Cambrie Hickman
A TEAM EFFORT
//
I
shared a hopeful glance with my fellow cheerleaders,
intertwining my hands with theirs. Beads of sweat sparkled on
each of our faces, partly from exertion, but mostly from nerves.
As we began our descent to the competition mat, we
noticed a group of competitors shouting words of encouragement
to us. It was a simple thing to do, but it meant a lot coming from
people I was competing against. I decided right then that I would
always return the favor and consistently show good sportsmanship.
After we exited the stage, I ran to the bleachers to sit with my
mom. A new team was performing and as a girl rose to the top of
a stunt, she wobbled and came tumbling down. I was completely
embarrassed by the cheers that erupted from a few of the parents
around me.They were celebrating the downfall of teenage girls.
How was that OK? I made a conscious decision to show good
sportsmanship, but not all the parents had done the same.
It’s easy to get caught up in being the best, and those wrapped
up in it tend to be unaware of the effects of their actions.The few
competitive parents on the cheer squad didn’t realize they were
making anyone feel bad, but their need to win not only affected
their attitude towards competing teams, but also towards us.
As a team, we discussed how we felt certain parents were
pitting us against each other. We would sometimes hear unkind
critiques of our movements from the viewing room.The constant
demands for us to outdo the competition, and often each other,
sucked the fun out of cheerleading, a sport we enjoyed so much.
But the resilience of my teammates and the other parents was
very uplifting.We were able to stay unified, even in the face of
drama and lack of sportsmanship from some of our own.
I couldn’t quite master my layout (a tumbling trick) and I knew
a select group of moms would see it as a chance for their daughter
to take my slot. However, the girls supported me through it. Not
only that, but many of the mothers showed me overwhelming
kindness and regard. It felt good to know I was being looked out
for despite any other comments.
It can often be difficult to show good sportsmanship.
Sometimes it’s easy to only look out for your child or yourself.
But having been on the receiving end of both good and bad
sportsmanship, I realize the only one worth pursuing was the good.
I hope parents of any sport give their children the freedom
to love and enjoy it, not be suffocated by it. It’s important that
parents and children alike encourage and support not only their
teammates, but those that play for the opposite side. –
Nikki Soto
