Blog 12

Interview Transcript

J:  Hey girl

G:  Hey

J:  So I am going to ask you a few questions on cheerleading, you ready?

G:  Yeah, go ahead.

J:  So what team do you currently cheer for?

G:  Right now, I am currently on the senior recreation team for Bayonne Elite Cheerleading in Bayonne, New Jersey.

J:  How do you like it?  Is it fun?

G:  Yeah, you know, we are like one big family.  We fight and argue like brothers and sisters but at the end of the day I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.

J:  Yeah, it must be nice having so much support.  That’s something I always loved about being on a cheerleading team.  But how did you get into cheerleading?  About how old were you?

G:  Hmm, that’s a tough one!  I’ve been cheering for so long.  I don’t remember what age I even started at.  I would have to say it was around 2^nd grade.  All my friends were trying out for the cubs so you know, I tried out as well.  When I made the team with all my friends I was so excited.  That was the best part.  I was with my friends.  Ever since then I cheered and when I went to high school, Bayonne Elite started so you know, I was able to continue cheering there.

J:  Oh I see.  Does your high school have a cheerleading team?

G:  well yeah, they do but I only tried out to cheer for the football games.  The coaches as well as the girls were not very welcoming.  I wanted to stay with the coaches I had throughout grammar school.  I was lucky Bayonne Elite opened my freshman year of high school.  It was the same coaches and the same atmosphere.  You know, it was like I never left.  I could be myself.

J:  Very interesting!  Are you happy with your decision to be on Bayonne Elite?

G:  I couldn’t be any happier.  If I’m not doing schoolwork or running track, I am at cheer.

J:  It’s amazing how dedicated you are to your team!  What is your most memorable experience with cheerleading?

G:  Wow, this is a hard one like I could go on forever with a list of memories but I would have to say nationals last year in Orlando, Florida was most memorable.  We had such a rough season and it was amazing when we won national champions.  Everyone was crying and hugging one another.  You know, it was such a bittersweet moment.  My team and I worked so hard to become national champions and when we finally did it, the feeling was incredible.  It was my first time at a national competition.  The arena was huge and the lights on the mat were so bright.  The experience as well as the memories made I will never forget.  Like we bonded so well.  It was great.

J:  That is so great!  I most certainly know the experience.  So what is a typical practice like for you and your team?

G:  Well, practices are normally two or three hours.  It depends on how well we cooperate with one another.  Normally we get to the gym and have like 15 minutes to get ready and be on the mat.  Usually, it takes us longer than that because everyone gets so involved with their conversations.  Then the coaches yell.  You know, we all go to different schools.  Practice is really one of the only times we can catch up.  But, anyways, practice, yes practice.  We normally start by stretching our muscles and joints so nobody gets hurts.  Depending on the day we also may condition.  Then we get a drink, talk some more, get yelled at, and were back out on the mat.  I guess we get yelled at a lot because we talk way too much.  So, we warm up sections of the routine like stunting and tumbling.  Every time a stunt falls and something goes wrong we have to do it again.  If everything goes well, we’ll run the routine.  That doesn’t always happen.

J:  Do you have a lot of practices where things don’t get done and the routine is left out?

G:  lately, we have been pretty good but it is only because we are leaving for nationals again soon.  This season was a talkative one.  We never shut up.  We were always talking and not doing what we were supposed to do.  I wish we could have got the routine correct but I know it is hard to function when everyone wants to talk and not listen.

J:  Well, there is no “I” in team, right? haha

G:  Oh absolutely! haha

J:  So, after so many years of being around cheerleading, what is your definition of being a cheerleader?

G:  A cheerleader is someone who puts her heart and soul out on the big blue mat.  That’s what I always tell myself!  We are strong independent people who learn the best life lessons through something we love doing.  A cheerleader is someone who never gives up and sparkles no matter what.  Through the pain, broken bones, and bruises, cheerleaders always want more.  For me, being a cheerleader has brought upon so many opportunities and that what I believe is the ultimate reward.

J:  Great positive response, there is always so much negativity formed around cheerleaders.  Don’t you think? Don’t you think cheerleaders should be treated as athletes?

G:  Oh god, this is my favorite topic!  I always enjoy arguing with people why cheerleaders should be treated as athletes!  Cheerleader’s train, if not the same, then more than any other sport!  We are in the gym for hours perfecting our techniques and our routine.  Cheerleading is not just a season, it is a yearly sport, it never ends.  We are always thinking and doing something to improve our skills.  We have a game plan just like every other sport out there.  We train just as hard as every team out there.  You have someone try and do back flips and stunts within a 2 minute and 30 second routine and then tell me cheerleading is not athletic!  I do not think people know the hard work and dedication that goes into being on a cheerleading team.

J:  Haha, I know the feeling.  I always get defensive when it comes to cheerleading.  It is an athletic sport and I will argue to the bone with anyone!

G:  Haha, I am glad we are on the same page then!

J:  Yes, so I am going to move onto my final question and then we have to get back to practice, okay?

G:  Yes, I’m ready!

J:  Great!  So how has cheerleading affected your life in a positive way?

G:  Well lets see, cheerleading has opened so many new doors in my life!  It has taught me respect and teamwork.  I have also made so many new friends from being on the team throughout the years.  These friends are lifetime friends; we share a bond that no one else will!  Being on a cheerleading team has taught me good sportsmanship and how to be a good team player.  The life lesson I leave learned and will learn I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  My coaches are such great role models and although they yell, I know they are so proud and encouraging.  Cheerleading has been a great life lesson and I wish everyone could experience this just like my teammates and I.

J:  That was so great and touching!  Cheerleading is a great life lesson and I am so glad you see it the way most cheerleaders do!  I thank you so much for allowing me to talk with you!

G:  You’re welcome.  Anytime.