In preparation for the 2017-2018 season, the Wildcat Cheerleaders held a team camp in Lexington over the summer. Special guests from the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) attended the camp and held tryouts for girls from the Rockbridge team to qualify for All-American.  Five cheerleaders, including seniors Brooke Humphries, Dana Adams, Rachel Alexander, and Sullivan Ray, as well as junior Alli Thomas, qualified.

Coach Crissie Abell expresses the difficulty of achieving the nomination presented by the UCA judges.

“Thousands try out and only 10 percent get chosen,” said Abell. “New material and skills are taught during camp and then anyone that wishes to try out, or is nominated, may try out.”

Ray explained the process that the girls had to go through to be qualified.

“There were 10 girls trying out and two instructors from UCA judging us,” said Ray. “We had to do one cheer, one chant, and one dance. There was a certain score you had to get in order to qualify.”

The girls who qualified for the All-American team realize what an achievement it is for the UCA judges to present them with this title.

“It was really awesome to see all the hard work we’ve put in to cheer pay off,” said Ray. “Coach always compliments us, but having an actual UCA judge compliment you and say you are an All-American feels really cool.”

Humphries expressed her gratitude for the UCA judges attending the camp.

“It was just a really good opportunity to realize that you are an accomplished athlete,” said Humphries.

Abell is hopeful that the All-American distinguishment will motivate both those who have received the honor to finish their careers as cheerleaders at RCHS and set their goals on college cheerleading, and those still striving for it to work harder throughout the season.

“We have had several former All-American RCHS cheerleaders go on to cheer in college and even receive cheerleading scholarships,” said Abell. “That helps motivate the younger members to work hard at their skills while at RCHS and also at the college level.”

The girls who qualified for the All-American are invited to be a part of the New Year’s Day Parade in London, England, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or a performance at a Football Bowl Subdivision halftime. So far, none of the girls from Rockbridge have plans to attend.