The Angels were a great team and were known to win almost all their National and International competitions in NZ. They trained twice a week, for an hour and a half each time. From there Annaliese was moved into the next team up ‘Spirits’ (level 3) but was quickly scouted to be a ‘flyer’ in the next team up which is a level 4 team ‘Stormz’. The girls in this team range from 11-15 years old. Annaliese is 11 years old so she is one of the younger girls in the team. She was totally happy about being recruited to this team, as it had been her dream for quite some time, she had written it down as one of her goals for the New Year. This also meant that her weekly practices would increase to Wednesdays & Friday 3 hours each practice so 6 hours total plus a 3 hour ‘Flyer Class on Saturdays.  As the World Cheerleading Competition in Anaheim drew closer, the ‘Spirits’ asked her if she could also be a flyer in their team so she agreed. This meant she now trained Tuesday 4-7pm, Wednesday 4:30-8:30pm, Thursday 4-7pm, Friday’s 4:30-8:30pm and for the final weeks leading into the competition she also trained on Sundays. Her dedication to her team and the sport I found totally inspiring. She never complained just got on with it, spending her lunch times at School catching up with home-work because she knew she didn’t have time to do it at home. The Competition ran over Saturday the 9th & Sunday the 10th of April along with thousands of teams from all over America. Stormz placed 2nd in level 4 and Spirits place 1st in level 3. They both competed with about 8 other teams in each level. So both placing’s were massive achievements especially since cheerleading is not such a big sport in NZ like it is in America.  It was a very emotional prize-giving, especially for the Stormz, who after the first day were only ranking in 6th place. They bought their A game on the 2nd day and managed to take out 2nd place. All the girls were crying including all the Mum’s and coaches. They had all worked so hard and it was such a proud moment for us to see them recognized for their dedication. I’m not sure that we would commit to 2 teams again but in the end it was an amazing achievement for her to place so well and to be part of such an incredible team of girls that all put 100% into their training. Cheerleading is ranked the 2nd most dangerous sport in America, interesting to think the cheerleaders on the side-line of a rugby game are more likely to be injure than the rugby players themselves! Annaliese plans to try out for the next team up on her return which is a level 5 team called ‘The Vipers’. She would be one of the youngest in this team but she is super talented so I have no doubt if she aims for this she will make it. This will mean she will be competing in Vegas at The World Cheerleading Champs next year! Raechelle Chase 15 April 2011 |