The Cheer Starts Here!

The three-day camp will run from Sunday, July 21 through Tuesday, July 23 and will include teams from seven area schools. The camp is designed for junior high and high school cheerleaders and not only teaches cheers, dances and stunts but also integrates team building, leadership skills, and focuses on good morals teaching young people how to be positive role models for their peers. Amber Hollis-Fesmire, director of the Noble Activity Center at OPSU, mentions that as stunting has evolved over the years, safety is also highly stressed in every situation. Fesmire also states that "our camp is unique in the fact that we have several smaller schools in the surrounding areas, thus allowing them to compete amongst like teams." Cheerleaders also have the opportunity to be nominated to try out for the All-American team with the possibility of traveling to a bowl game and performing with other selected top All-Americans.

OPSU has hosted the NCA camp since the early 80's and it has been well attended throughout the years. The camp also serves as a fundraiser for the Aggie cheer team with proceeds going towards the purchase of uniforms, equipment, and to help offset travel expenses.

The Aggie cheerleaders will start the weekend off with their first stunt clinic as a new squad on Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. OPSU cheer sponsor Cassidy Christian is excited about this group and eager to see them work together and build relationships as a team.

Tryouts for the Aggie cheer team are held in the spring. Anyone interested in joining the squad can contact Coach Christian at cassidy.christian@hotmail.com.