CHEERMOMI2 wrote:

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Congrats to all teams on your amazing performances! I have to agree that top 3 was a few of Saturday's divisions may have been confusing. But for the most part I do believe they got it right (I only have a question about 1 division but won't name that one because I do believe they got top 3 correct, just not sure I agree with the order.) Those teams were, however, all deserving of top placements. The jackets were very cute and a nice change from the infamous wind breaker. I do believe the kids will enjoy both showing them off and wearing them to legitimately keep warm.

I would like to see alot of the gyms that we don't normally get to watch come out to compete.  They definitely spiced things up.  There's nothing like having to ask "Wow, where did THEY come from?"  Loved the Colorado and Texas teams to name a few. We haven't run into SoCal often this season or Mavs for that fact but daaang these teams are packed with talent. I know they'll be merging this season with Cheer Force but I really enjoyed watching those teams today. I do believe they could be a force to be reckoned with next season if the talent they presented this weekend is what they'll be working with next season.  We hear about the results of various comps on these boards but often skip past them if our own gym did not attend. This was my first time really taking notice of some of those teams.  There's so much talent on the West Coast.  It's just so divided amongst west coast states and loads of small competitions that we don't get to see it in one place.  I really hope that gyms can plan this upcoming season so that gyms "intentionally" meet up and divisions are stacked like the old days. Today was a reminder of the potential of this industry if the political card is played less and the competitive urge is allowed to run a little freer. 

Now, for my issues with the competition:  IALC definitely has quite a few kinks to work out.  If they want gyms to come back next season they really need to let us know what will be done differntly BEFORE next season.  The clocks ticking so that means they should posting those change really soon here.  Hopefully there's a place on their website to offer suggestions or give input.  Although, I can't figure out why this wasn't handled like old pros were behind it.  After all, they've had some heavy hitter back up to assist them.  IALC should start with reconsider ing the venue from this point forward. Using any Convention Centers or floor seating for cheer comps is simply unacceptable! Once I realized that this was at the convention center I began to instantly dread going. It could've been worse (i.e. USA with its lower stage and floor seating) but it was bad enough. And to pay $15 to get in for that? Come on! Next time, Check out Anaheim's stadium seating, or Irvine, or the many other places that offer it.  Why not Universal?  Still have to drive, still have to pay bucks to get in but think of how nice it would be for families to walk Universal City Walk?  Think outside the box.  I sure hope that convention center price were irresistable.  Enough already with the floor seating!

For the gyms who placed top 3, it was thrilling!  But OMG, I cringed each time the
4th and final team was left sitting on that that stage looking like the didn't know what to do next.  (My daughter's team placed so this is not at all about hating) I was Not feeling that AT ALL!  I know Worlds awards top 10 and the rest sit it out but since this isn't REALLY world I'll forgive IALC if they choose to do this part in a differnt way.  All teams are introduced when they take the stage which was nice.  But unless there are going to be 6, 7, 10 teams in a division so teams are not left to deal with not placing "alone" I think some other way should be considered.  Don't get me wrong.  I see where IALC was trying to go with this.  I'm just not sure if they had the numbers to pull those kinds of awards off.

If you factor an additional month of gym fees for April, plus gas/travel, plus parking, plus entry fees, plus highway robbery on food (what's up with $9.50 for a burger?) I'd say it was a little costly for what they gave in return. IALC will need to make MAJOR changes if they want this to comp to stick around and/or be referred to as our "all level worlds." Paid bids made a few teams feel very special.  Definitely need to hand out more of them.  The number of At Large bids awarded, however, may have turned some of gyms off.  Also a little late in the season for my taste. I really don't want to see a year round cheer, which is darn there what we're up to now.  A few weeks earlier would've been perfect. 

Overall, the idea is great one.  The potential is definitely there.  But I expect WAAAAY more on the next go around IALC! To say this was the final comp of the season is not working for me.  I feel very let down after all the hype.  Not even close to the greatness that it could've or should've been. 

-- Edited by CHEERMOMI2 on Sunday 12th of April 2009 06:42:52 AM

-- Edited by CHEERMOMI2 on Sunday 12th of April 2009 07:05:33 AM

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