So Cal

Date: Sat Jun 10 1:21 AM, 2006

RE: So Cal

Date: Sat Jun 10 7:17 AM, 2006

OC wrote:

Well, let's see here,

We post our schedule very early in hopes to see them but they don't show. This season we will see what happens. Hopefully we get to see them all more often.

So are you disappointed that they aren't planning their schedules around OC's or are you insinuating, they know where OC is going to be and they purposely avoid it? Perhaps, they don't know and don't care where OC is competing and they make their competition schedules out according to what works best for them, as I'm sure your coaches do when they make out their's.

Date: Sat Jun 10 7:54 AM, 2006

Right, it means nothing that you haven't seen them at competitions. We only saw OC at one National competition, we didn't see them at some of the larger ones (like American Championship in Anaheim). So maybe it's OC who isn't attending the ones everyone else is going to?

The point is, there are many to choose from. I wish there were one or two everyone went to, just so we could all see a true comparison.

I love Quake's cheer ("rattle rattle shake shake"), or somethin like that. We enjoyed them the last time we saw their teams perform.

Date: Sat Jun 10 10:11 AM, 2006

Wow, you guys read much more into that than there was. That's NOT what I meant. Not even CLOSE. sheesh..... negativity. It's just so unbecoming.

I meant we post our schedule EARLY so we can compare EARLY and so that our parents know the schedule EARLY so it's convienant. I doubt highly that ANYONE schedules around OC All Stars. Who would even think of doing such a thing and who would even think of someone even insinuating we would even think someone would be doing that? (dang that was difficult to get out) Believe it or not, I am a nice person. I know that's hard to fathom but I would never even think such a thing let alone post that. Someone asked a question and I answered it as best I could at 2 am. I thought it funny that we (OC and the other gyms) are all so close together and yet we saw one of them ONCE and another twice. Too many competitions to choose from? Yes. Also, we don't go to Aneheim ever. And we didn't plan that one around anyone. Not even the last poster.

Now for goodness sake I hope someone else doesn't find anything negative in this post also. If you possibly can at all, which I don't know how you could, you do truly need a new hobby.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. And that's meant in the nicest possible way.

Date: Sat Jun 10 10:16 AM, 2006

We were in Atlanta and Vegas... it doesn't get much larger than that. Anaheim is in our own backyard. And it's posed a scheduling conflict. That's why we weren't there.

OC, I was shocked to see those too but hey, someone will always find the negativity in everything you post anyway. I knew what you meant. No worries. I am sure everyone else did also. You do come across polite and kind. Just like you are in person. Stop worrying. Talk to you later today. I still love you!!!!!!!

OC Mom

Date: Sat Jun 10 1:41 PM, 2006

I wish you would reconsider going to American Championships -- if you had to choose one competition in Southern California that puts the best against the best, with judging comparable to Worlds, that would be it. And it's right in your backyard, as you said.

The previous post probably shouldn't have worded it the way she did ("we post our schedule early in hopes to see them but they don't show" does indeed come across like "why don't they show up where WE are?"). But it's cool you didn't mean it that way (the hazards of posting at 2 in the morning, lol). No harm done, and hope to see you guys at some comps this season!

Date: Sat Jun 10 2:08 PM, 2006

I will ask why we don't go there this time around. And thanks for understanding. I reread it and see why it was thought that way. I wasn't thinking anyone would get upset over that. But then again, I tend to forget that when you read posts, you can't hear the tone or the intention. So it seems "harsh" but it's not.

OC

Date: Sun Jun 11 8:49 PM, 2006

OC wrote:

I will ask why we don't go there this time around. And thanks for understanding. I reread it and see why it was thought that way. I wasn't thinking anyone would get upset over that. But then again, I tend to forget that when you read posts, you can't hear the tone or the intention. So it seems "harsh" but it's not.

OC

With over 100 cheerleading events in California, its no wonder why many people don't see each other. At first I didn't like it, but it gives you more options to compete. Your not stuck having to go where "everyone" goes. Also some companies charge to much for what you get. I would have to say JAMZ comes to mind. For those of you who like big events, the American Grand, American Showcase, USA nationals, Jamz, GSSA nationals, and Spirit Sports seem to be the big Events of the West Coast. I think companies like Jamfest, Pacific Championships, COA, and Americas Best are slowly breaking way and may be larger in attendance this upcoming year. I wish NCA had more events in Northern California. There events are probably the best in the business.

Date: Mon Jun 12 7:11 AM, 2006

You listed some good ones; I think if organizations went to even a couple listed, they should be going against good competition. America's Best Nationals did not have a good showing at all from what I saw listed, so I'm not sure why you think they may be pulling away; maybe I'm missing something there. I would add Athletic Championships to the group.

Date: Mon Jun 12 11:25 AM, 2006

I am curious how you can have 330 kids in a gym and not have a strong level 5 coed team? Where are those kids going if not CA Allstars?

Date: Mon Jun 12 1:59 PM, 2006

Not sure what you mean by a "strong level 5 team". We have MANY MANY MANY girls in our gym who do level 5 stunts and tumbling. But not ALL of them are senior girls. If you remember, we had a Jr prep level 5 and a Jr level 5 also. Our gym is only in it's 4th season of existance. We are up there but we still have some work to do. We have tons of kids but only some of them make up our senior program. Most of our kids are Juniors and below.

We are well on our way, but most gyms don't come into their 4th season with their seniors all on level 5 teams. Majority of our kids are brand new to cheer. It takes time. And also remember that 6 of those 20 teams are dance only teams.

Date: Mon Jun 12 3:23 PM, 2006

We had a strong level 5 team last year but with unforseen sicknesses and injuries. They are back again this season and so far the outlooks is GREAT. Things happen. But I'm sure everyone can relate. The thing about us is we have TONS of talent in our younger kids also, so OC will be around for a long long LONNNNNG time. And as you can tell by our numbers, we aren't losing people. It speaks volumes when there are so many gyms in the area to choose from.

OC Mom

Date: Mon Jun 12 3:48 PM, 2006

I've always been impressed with your younger talent. I see them growing into awesome senior teams in the years ahead. Now that Worlds has a junior division, we hope they qualify -- it would be great to see some new talent at Worlds.

Date: Tue Jun 13 7:25 AM, 2006

What makes kids want to stay in all stars longer than middle school and freshmen year. Everywhere but the West Coast we see the senior programs growing, but I would like to see the Senior programs out here grow with more high school students. I think were on the right track, but still needs alot of work.

Date: Tue Jun 13 1:26 PM, 2006

You're so right but I truly think the problem lays with the high schools limiting the kids from doing All Stars. Plus, once the kids reach the age where friends are more important than a sport, that's when they give up. You really have to influence them while they are young in to knowing that being in a sport, even when it interferes in their social life, is best for them in the long run. This is where the parents come in. We are lucky that our HS allows the kids to do both so my daughter doesn't have to chose. But I tell you this, all stars made her tryouts at high school seem like she was taking a Kindergarten entrance test, that's for sure.

Date: Tue Jun 13 4:49 PM, 2006

It isn't necessarily that kids going into high school are "giving up" just to be with friends. In high school there are more opportunities for other sports and activities. And when you have a sport like all star cheer that is year round, weekend practices, and costs lots of money, the high school sports start to sound good and provide a better balance in life.

Just another perspective...

Date: Tue Jun 13 9:39 PM, 2006

I guess it depends on the individual kid. A year round sport is more beneficial to us. She isn't starting and stopping anything and she has PLENTY of time for friends. Friday, Saturday and Sunday is quite enough. Any more time than that and you might run into boredom and boredom = trouble. But each kid is different.

Date: Tue Jun 13 11:33 PM, 2006

Cheer parent Alumni wrote:

It isn't necessarily that kids going into high school are "giving up" just to be with friends. In high school there are more opportunities for other sports and activities. And when you have a sport like all star cheer that is year round, weekend practices, and costs lots of money, the high school sports start to sound good and provide a better balance in life.

Just another perspective...

People say all star cheer is year around, but thats only because the practices are held year around. Now 50% of the kids don't attend all the summer practices at most gyms due to vacations and school events. Also most gyms give off the breaks and the practices are usually only 2-3 times a week. Most h.s. sports are 3-4 times a week. I think all star cheer is something very beneficial. If you are use to the schedule, you know how to work everything else around it. I guess its how you plan and budget your time.

Date: Wed Jun 14 6:20 AM, 2006

I'm guessing the gyms that have 50% of the kids not attending practices during the summer are not the gyms that typically go to Worlds, right? I would love to know if the top teams have 100% attendance during the summer, that would say a lot about what it takes to be a top team.

Date: Wed Jun 14 6:41 AM, 2006

The gym my child was involved in frowned on missing any practices, including summer time. And practices included the weekends. And if you wanted to keep improving your skills or be seen as that athlete that was "dedicated", you went to open gym and took privates, and took additional classes (flyer, tumbling, etc). As far as gym vacations, it is sometimes difficult to plan all your family activities around their schedule.

I'm not trying to say that all star cheer isn't worth it, I'm just trying to say "don't pigeon hole" someone that has decided to not do all star cheer as a "quiter". There are other things in life that are just as worth while and provide workouts, and keep the kids busy but allow more freedom for family.

Is high school cheer a good replacement? NO! From what I've seen, not impressed. But other sports in school are great and I've seen kids excel in other sports because they have learned the hard work and dedication from all stars.

Good luck to all those athletes and teams out there. Have a great season and keep working hard.