The Black Smack Brings Home Another Championship

May 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of MemphiSport.

Each spring, hundreds of hopeful cheerleading squads assemble in Orlando, Fla. with routines mastered for the biggest competition in cheering. This year, the Memphis Elite Senior Black Co-Ed team, also known as the Black Smack, took home another championship in the team’s storied past.

“Words could not describe the feelings of winning a championship,” team captain Courtney Lindsey said. “My team and my coaches worked so hard and went through so much all year to prepare for Nationals.”

Lindsey’s team was competing in the UCA Nationals – a competition that features teams from across the country. The Memphis Elite team was up against ten other outstanding teams for the final championship.

“We wear our Nationals jackets with pride now because we know how hard we worked and how much we pushed ourselves,” Lindsey said.

Memphis Elite has a series of coaches that include Frankie Conklin, Chad Odle, Kasey Astor and Bowd Beal that help the teams get ready for the nationals competition.

The All-star squad was established in the fall of 1992, the first cheer and dance program of its kind in the Memphis area. The first dance team was launched after Sky-View Academy – where Conklin had been the long time cheer coach – closed. Tryouts for the team are ongoing during the months of March and April, and training for next season’s competition will begin immediately. There are currently more than 430 athletes in the Memphis Elite program.

 

Photo Courtesy of Memphis Elite

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Memphis Pom Set to Compete on Worldwide Stage

March 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue of MemphiSport.

Winning national championships is something that every person involved with sports dreams about from an early age. For the University of Memphis pom squad, those dreams have become a reality – for two straight years.

This year, the Memphis pom squad captured the 14th national championship in the team’s storied history. The Tigers beat out LSU and Cincinnati, which finished second and third respectively, for the Hip Hop National Championship. Memphis edged the same two programs for the 2011 National Hip Hop Championship and has now won Hip Hop National Championships in 2007 and 2008.

“Being back-to-back National Champs is an amazing feeling,” U of M junior pom member Lauren Byrd said. “This year we were actually very close to a double championship – Minnesota beat us by only a slim margin in the pom category – but one championship is good enough for me!”

The team’s recognition didn’t stop with their strong showing at Nationals. After winning the national championship, the team applied through the International Cheer Union to be considered to be Team USA for the ICU World competition, which is held April 28-29 at the Disney Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla.

Memphis was selected to represent Team USA in the Hip Hop portion of the ICU championships, and Pace Elite (California) will compete for Team USA in the jazz and pom categories. The competition involves teams from across the world, including squads from China, Japan, Germany Colombia, Mexico, Norway and others.

“It feels beyond honorable to have been chosen to represent the USA out of the whole country,” said co-captain and senior Jamie Kelley. “Also, it’s very exciting to get to do this as I end my career on the pom squad.”

In preparation for nationals each year, the U of M pom squad has to put in as much hard work—if not more—than other athletes at Memphis to get ready for the UDA National College Dance Team Championships. During the fall, the team sends in a tape of a routine that has been perfected through practice and is as close to perfect as possible. Once that part of the preliminary competition is done, the team gets placements, whether it is a partial/full paid bid, and an invitation to the UDA National Championships in January.

Memphis’ hard work in the preliminary stages and then at the UDA National Championships paid off, and the team couldn’t be more excited to represent the University of Memphis on a worldwide stage.

“Being a part of Team USA is such an amazing opportunity that I’m so blessed we got the chance to do,” junior Caitlin Fenton said. “Not many people can say that they represented their country doing something they love, so I feel so honored that Memphis pom got picked for team USA, and I know everyone on the team does too.”

 

Photos by John Fenton and Lindsay Byrd

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Gimme a Championship

February 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the February 2012 issue of MemphiSport. 

More than 400 teams from 32 different states will travel to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando this February and March to compete in the the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

The Championships, hosted by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) draw an estimated 12,000 spectators each year and feature performances by teams at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Comlex, the Indiana Jones Theater and Josten’s Center.

“Our 32nd Anniversary Championship is a testament to the popularity and growth of cheerleading across the U.S.” said Jeff Webb, founder and CEO of Varsity, parent organization of UCA. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the more than 8,000 talented cheerleaders representing teams from all over the country. We feel privileged to give these amazing athletes a proper showcase for their talents.”

The competitions will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN in February and March. Check local listings for specific times. Highlights of every team’s routine will also be available on Varsity TV, Varsity.com’s broadband video on demand channel.

 

A slew of Memphis-area teams and schools
will be competing in the championships:

• Appling Middle School
• Arlington Middle School
• Arlington High School
• Bolton High School
• Bowie High School
• Collierville High School
• Desoto Central High School
• Ellendale Bears Cheer
• Elmore Park Middle School
• Germantown Middle School
• Germantown High School
• Houston Middle School
• Houston High School
• St. Georges School
• St. Benedict High School
• Schilling Farms Middle
• Southaven High School

 

For more information about the 2012 National High School Cheerleading Championships or cheerleading in general, contact Sheila Noone at 901-251-5959 or via email at snoone@varsityspirit.com.

Founded in 1948, Varsity is an institution when it comes to all things cheerleading. Varsity sponsors education camps, clinics and competition as well as uniforms for many squads around the country. Varsity’s online video system provides access to cheerleading video of all kind which has become popular among fans and coaches alike. The company is based in Memphis and employs over 5,000 workers nationally.

Written by Preston McClellan, Photos courtesy of Varsity

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Memphis Pom’s Holiday Spirit

January 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the January 2012 issue of MemphiSport. 

The University of Memphis POM Squad teamed together during the month of December to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Commonly referred to “canning,” ladies spent mornings carrying cans and collected money from cars at the intersection of Poplar and Perkins in East Memphis. The money raised goes to the  Up ‘til Dawn program, which was started at the U of M 13 years ago.

“Canning for St. Jude was such a rewarding experience,” Memphis POM member Stacy Patterson said. “It was really nice to see so many wonderful people donating to such a great cause.”

Since its inception, the program has spread to over 250 colleges nationwide and now generates nearly $5 million annually for research and health care at St. Jude. During the 2010-11 alone, students at the University of Memphis were able to raise more than $152,000 dollars, bringing the local chapter’s historic total to $1.5 million.

“I know I speak for all the girls when I say we had so much fun collecting money for St. Jude, and we would like to thank everyone who donated,” Patterson said.

Those interested in getting involved with Up ‘til Dawn should contact the local U of M chapter via email at uptildawn@memphis.edu or on Twitter at @UptilDawnUofM.

One of the most talented dance teams in the nation, the Memphis Pom squad has amassed 13 national titles over the years.(national titles 1986-94,2000, 2007, 2008, 2011 and runner-up 2005, 2010). You can see them dance at cheer at all University of Memphis men’s and women’s basketball games.  

Photos by Stacy Patterson

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Varsity Spirit: Tiffany, Titans Cheerleader

December 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

What is the best part about being a Titans cheerleader?
The best part about being a Titans cheerleader is game day! There’s nothing like being on the field watching the plays unfold, and feeling all the energy from the fans.

What brought you to Nashville from Port Richey, Florida?
I moved to Nashville as a singer/songwriter with a record deal. Music and entertaining have always been what drive me.

Have you been to the Grand Ole Opry?
Of course I’ve been to the Opry! Everyone should! Such history and amazing sounds come from that place.

What is the typical game-day like for you?
We arrive at the stadium four hours before kickoff to have our field practice. Then, it’s time to grab some catering, and start the glam process. For me, that would be makeup first, then hair. When we are all ready, we have team prayer, then head to the tunnel to line up for our entrance. That feeling never gets old. I always get butterflies when I look out onto the field. The game always seems to go by so fast. It’s so much fun out there!

If you played football, what position would you play?
I would have to say I’d be a wide receiver! I tend to enjoy the spotlight, and the pressures that go along with it.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I do! I like to do things in the same order while getting ready. I may even be a bit OCD about it!

What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend every moment possible with my family. My husband and two-year-old daughter make me smile like no others. I also love to watch movies, hang with friends, exercise, shop, and have date night!

Written by Brandi Hunter, Photo by Tennessee Titans

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Cheerleading: Not a Sport?

December 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The catchphrase is that nothing is official until “you put it on paper.” This summer a federal judge in Connecticut did just that when he ruled Quinnipac University could not replace its volleyball team with a competitive cheerleading squad to satisfy gender requirements under Title IX, the 1972 federal law that mandates equality for men and women in athletics.

So, according to U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill, it’s official: cheerleading is not a sport. He ruled, “Competitive cheer may, some time in the future, qualify as a sport under Title IX. Today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students.”
Bill Seely, the executive director of USA Cheer, the national governing body for sideline and competitive cheerleading talked to Memphisport about the ruling.

What is USA Cheer doing as a result of the ruling?
USA Cheer launched the new sport called Stunt, designed to meet NCAA Emerging Sport Status and satisfy Title IX requirements.

Are cheerleading programs “underdeveloped and disorganized”?
There were really only five teams that were participating in the Stunt format at the time of the trial, so it didn’t meet the requirements of Title IX and the Emerging Sport Status. We needed 20 teams participating. Since the ruling, USA Cheer has more than the required number of teams participating and now complies with the strict standards of Title IX and Emerging Sport Status.

Where does the perception come from that cheerleading is not a genuine athletic activity?
I don’t think that is the prevailing opinion. Even Judge Underhill said that there was no doubt that cheerleading was athletic. And more people, now that cheer has been showcased on ESPN, understand how athletic it is. Some people might have a problem since it doesn’t fit neatly into a traditional ‘sport’ box.

Written by Brandi Hunter

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Lauren, Former Co-Host of Jerry Lawler’s Memphis Wrestling

October 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Now that you are in the local wrestling business do you think you will ever run for mayor?
No, that’s been done already! I need to try something original. I do enjoy politics…Maybe I’ll run on the state level!

When was the first time you met “The King”?
We met at Huey’s for a business dinner about a week before the first taping. I remember the waitress already knew what “The King” wanted to order.

If you were a wrestler, what would be your finishing move?
The “sumo suplex pile driving body slamming from the top rope so fast that you never see it coming” move! Lights out.

What do you like most about being a wrestling announcer?
I love the adrenaline rush of it all. But more than that what I love, and sometimes hate, the most is the impromptu nature of announcing while not knowing how things will unfold.

When you were growing up, what TV shows did you watch on Saturday mornings?
Growing up, Saturday mornings always meant swim practice, or neighborhood kickball, or flag football. I wasn’t much of a TV watcher.

What is your favorite time of year?
Now! The fall. The leaves begin to change, it’s my birthday, and of course football is in the air.

Would you rather host Monday Night Football or Monday Night Raw?
That’s a tough one. I’ve worn Cowboy’s jerseys since I was in diapers, so I will have to go with Monday Night Football. They also have the best theme music ever.

Who would win in a fight- Tony Romo or Grand Master Sexay?
Is Jessica Simpson in the crowd? I may actually have to bet on Too Sexay, but only if Wolfie D brings his hub cap!

What was your favorite concession stand item at the The Vine?
Oh their caviar is divine! Actually, I’ve never had enough time to buy any concessions from The Vine! Everyone seems to like the beer.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that? (Laughs) It typically depends on what was going on right before I get the free time. For instance, after finishing work on a short film in Jackson last week I went to see Inception again and then went to a bookstore and read for four hours.

If we gave you money right now to play any song you wanted on Jerry Lawler’s jukebox, what would it be?
“The Weary Kind” by Ryan Bingham.

Interview by Kevin Cerrito, Photo by James Buchanan.

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Hannah, University of Memphis Dance Team

August 26, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Why did you choose Memphis? I chose Memphis because it’s close to home and they have an awesome dance team; number two in the country.

Would you rather hit a grand slam or have Denny’s GS for life? Definitely a grand slam in real life.

What is your perfect food grand slam? That would have to be hot wings, spicy fries, sweet tea from McDonald’s–you’re welcome for the free ad–and some Sour Patch Kids.

What do you think the new mascot should be for Ole Miss? They should be the Frat Daddies. Everyone there is all about fraternities and sororities so it fits perfectly!

Would you rather be at a basketball game with a small crowd or one at the FedEx forum? Definitely a big crowd. Not only does that pump everyone in the stands up, but also the players and us.

What’s your favorite part about being on the dance team? Going to Nationals in January. We finished second this year in pom, a category they just brought back, and hip hop.

What do you think should be done about the Liberty Bowl? Knock it down!

What’s your major? Dance Education.

What do you plan on doing after graduation? I would love to work at an dance art school or, hopefully, open up my own studio.

Most embarrassing moment? That would be my first basketball game. I was a freshman and totally forgot everything I was supposed to do.

What’s one improvement you’d like to see as a member of the dance team? I want to win Nationals. I know it’ll happen this year. We have the girls and the talent to do it.

If you could eat at one fast food chain for the rest of your life, which would it be? Wendy’s. I love dipping their fries into the frosty.

You’re at the gym and need a song to get you through to end your work out. What is the worst song that you could hear at that moment? Anything by Lady Gaga.

The University of Memphis Dance Team has become a Grand Slam Winner this year. Four years in a row the Dance Team has won the award for Favorite Spirit Squad.  By Andy Skrzat, Photo by Michael Cardwell.


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Shannon, Memphis Redbirds’ Redhot

June 26, 2010 by Leave a Comment

What is the one word that best describes you? Loud. I’m the type of girl that at first is pretty shy but once you get to know me I’m one of those that never shuts up.

What’s your ideal summer day? Probably sitting by a pool with a People magazine in my hand and listening to my iPod.

What kind of music would you be listening to? Country, pop, songs from musicals. It’s a little bit of everything on there.

Why did the RedHots switch from being a dance team to being more of a promotional team? My understanding was that management or the squad director changed. The first girl was more a coach person and Jessica McDaniels, the person currently in charge of the Redhots, is more of a promotion-centered person.

What is your favorite promotion to do? We have a brand new one this year that is called Backyard Burger Build-a-Burger. I don’t participate but we have people who put on stuff like hotdog buns and Styrofoam condiments, and build a hotdog or hamburger with a bun on the ground to win.

What is your favorite food? Probably chicken quesadillas. It’s so good, it’s one of those foods that it looks so good and you know you shouldn’t eat it, but you still do. I’m really picky about my chicken quesadillas because I can’t have any onions or tomatoes on them. Just chicken and cheese.

Who is your favorite Redbird? Jon Jay. I like him, just because he’s a little guy. You don’t often see baseball players who are short and stocky, and I like the song he comes out to.

Red Hots, Big Red or red M&Ms? Red M&Ms because they’re not spicy. And it has to be peanut not regular or else I’d have to change my answer.

By Andy Skrzat, Photo by Chase Gustafson.

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Brittany, Grizzlies Claw Crew

April 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

What inspired you to join the Claw Crew? I love basketball. I’m a basketball fanatic. Mixed with my crazy silly personality, it’s the best job you can ever have.

Is there an accuracy competition to see who gets to shoot the prize cannon? No. Most of the machines that we shoot at people are too big for me to handle. I’m usually the one pumping up the crowd and the guys get to shoot the gun.

Who would be your dream celebrity to shoot off the new celebrity prize cannon? My dream celebrity would be, I’d say, Usher. I could see him having fun with it.

Do you ever have nightmares about The Simpsons episode where Ned Flanders’ wife dies? No, I hope not.

When do you personally feel the need to “make some noise”?
I usually get really, really excited when we’re down 10 and I feel a comeback coming on, or when we’re in the lead.

Do you think “Ballroom Blitz” needs to be retired as the song for the Pepsi Ball Blaster? No. I zone out when we’re out there so I hear it, but I don’t really hear it. But, change is good.

What do you order at McDonald’s (Grizzlies Claw Crew sponsor)? I do go there frequently. I’ll eat the nuggets or Filet-O-Fish meal.

Where do you spend a typical night following a Grizzlies game? We go to Silver Spoon on Friday after a win. On a Saturday, win or lose, we go to a club called Level 2. During the week you can find me at the house. Shout out to the Claw Crew!

By Andy Skrzat, Photo by Chase Gustafson.

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