We Cover Cheer's very first Cheerleader of the Month!

MARCH 2014
All photos by Bobby Ericson with Ericson's Photography

Courtney P. (Sister)
Give us a couple of examples of how you look up to Nichole.
I look up to Nichole because she is my big sister. I have always wanted to be like her. She is a big inspiration to me; she isn't afraid to be herself and I admire that about her. She also isn't afraid to try new things and I love that. She has always been an inspiration to me.

Since you do cheerleading as well, did Nichole help you go down the cheerleading path?
Nichole was a big reason why I wanted to try cheerleading. She always made it seem fun and exciting. She was definitely the biggest reason for me doing it.

Tell us something that Nichole’s coaches and teammates may not know about her.
Nichole is an open book so it's hard to say what people do and don't know about her. I would have to say they probably don't know she eats lamb fries (lamb testicles), she used to be the biggest tomboy, and when we were kids her and my brother had an imaginary land called Dream Land! They would get in the closet and climb up onto the shelf and pretend it was a rocket ship taking them to Dream Land. They wouldn't let me come with ever! Instead I had to sit outside the bedroom door and once they landed in Dream Land they would let me in.

If you had to describe Nichole in one word, what would it be?
One word to describe Nichole is fearless. She isn't afraid to try new things; she isn't afraid to be herself; she shows that you can do anything if your tell yourself you can and you go for It. Nichole is fearless!

Is there anything else you can tell us about Nichole?
Nichole is an amazing person. She is upbeat, dorky, and spontaneous; you just never know what she is going to do next! Nichole strives to do her best in everything and she won't take anything less. She is very inspiring and she will always be the best sister in the world

Cassie C. (Teammate)
How does Nichole lead by example during practices and on game days?
Nichole leads by example by always starting cheers, encouraging our team, and being cheery and spunky at all times. She is always doing something productive to make herself and our team better. Nichole summed up in one word would be "spirited". My favorite memory of Nichole would be our golf tournament in Whorland when we made a honk if you're horny sign. Nichole is a great leader and one of my best friends. She is so dedicated to cheer and takes so much pride in what she does. University of Wyoming (WU) athletics is lucky to have her as an ambassador for their program. She gives our university and cheerleading a good name and represents the fundamental reasons that we do what we do.

Mary S. (Coach)
How does Nichole lead by example during practices and on game days?
Nichole leads by example in every way. I know, as her coach I can always count on her to take control when I am not present. She stretches, dances, stunts, jumps, and tumbles without being asked. We have a team with 14 freshmen on it, which means being an example is even more important to the success of this program this year!

If you had to describe Nichole in one word, what would it be?
Hilarious (this was a hard one! I also would use: crazy, loud, dependable, smart, fun).

What is Nichole's biggest strength in cheer?
Nichole’s biggest strength in cheer is her confidence. She is actually a quite shy person, but when she is in uniform, she instantly turns on. She is the person that I can send into any appearance or performance and know that she is representing the UW spirit program in the best way. I know that her smile lights up the arena and that her voice can be heard over everyone else’s. Because of her confidence, she has grown in so many ways!

What is your favorite memory about Nichole?
I have a couple of favorite memories of Nichole- I remember at tryouts her first year (and my and Marcie’s first year) she was this crazy, tiny, quiet little thing. But she was not scared to rock the fake wig of curls! She had this ponytail that she would clip on of these huge 90's curls. She wore them all the time her first year! They can be seen in the calendar that year. We HATED them and told her to burn them eventually! Also one time this year at practice, she farted so loud it echoed (because it was absolutely silent) and she didn't even try to hide it! We all laughed until we cried and it was no sweat off of Nichole’s back. That is the type of person she is, what you see is what you get!

Is there anything else you can tell us about Nichole?
There are so many things I admire about Nichole. She is strong beyond anyone's imagination. She has been through more than anyone her age should ever have to go through. It has been a blessing to watch her grow into a secure, talented, and smart woman! I am so proud of who she has become! And I love her to death.

Sheri  P. (Mom)
How did Nichole get started in cheerleading?
When I took on the cheerleading coach job, I told my girls that if they ever tried out for cheerleading I would quit. When I started coaching, I would take my team to gymnastics camp in Evanston and always take Nichole with. On Wednesdays throughout the school year when I would take the cheerleaders to open tumbling night, Nichole always went. She loved gymnastics. In order to compete in the stunt competition at state, you need tumbling and my team was a little weak in that area, so at the end of her sophomore year I begged Nichole to try out for cheerleading because I needed another tumbler. She did. That year, we had a 3-way tie for 1^st! The very next year we ended up taking 3rd place with just 5 girls. That year while competing against much bigger teams, we took home 1st place in another competition.

What is it like when you see Nichole cheering? 

When I watch Nichole cheer, I well up with pride. I love watching her do something she loves and I am very proud of all her accomplishments

Every time I watch Nichole, it is exciting for me. Although I coach from the bleachers and tell her what needs to be fixed or what I saw that was good or bad,  EVERY TIME is exciting as the first time I watched her cheer!

Tell us something that her coaches and teammates may not know about her.
What you may not know is that Nichole said that if gymnastics was offered in our high school, she would have done that instead of the other sports.
She was a wrestling manager for 7 years. I had to beg them to let her be the manager and by the end of the first year they loved her. She had been going with us every weekend since she was 3 and knew wrestling inside and out. At the end of her senior year, the coach asked if she could be held back so they could keep her as the manager.

Nichole played volleyball and basketball in Middle School.

Nichole started swimming in 6th grade and diving I believe her junior year of high school

Nichole is very caring toward the elderly and to anyone with disabilities. Her grandmother had MS, which created her compassion towards others.  Building on this, I worked with the severely handicapped children at the high school and elementary school level. In high school, Nichole’s diving coach had a handicapped child, which showed Nichole her love of helping people who have special needs.

Her middle name is after her great grandmother Eline Anderson.

Nichole can sing. Nichole and Jacque sang the national anthem at the state wrestling tournament.

If you had to describe Nichole in one word, what would it be? 

DEDICATED---what ever it is she does she always gives 100%

Forest T. (Teammate)
Describe Nichole in one word.
If I could describe Nichole in one word, it would be passionate.

Marcie P. (Former Coach)
How does Nichole lead by example during practices and on game days?
Nichole is always the first one to jump in and do anything that is asked of her- basing, flying, tumbling, cheering - anything! She is the perfect model of leading by example!

If you had to describe Nichole in one word, what would it be?
One word that describes Nichole is heart. She has a big one! She'll do anything for anyone at anytime. Not only this, but she isn't afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and by doing this, she gains the trust of her teammates and coaches. They can see the real, genuine Nichole and they want to be around her.

Is there anything else you can tell us about Nichole?
Although I was Nichole's coach for 3 years, I learned as much, or more, from her than she did from me. She is a wonderful person and I am thankful that I know her and can call her a friend!

Jacque B. (Teammate)
How does Nichole lead by example during practices and on game days?
Nikki leads by example by always offering help those who need it whether it be with cheer or something else. One word (well two) about Nikki would be social butterfly. My favorite memory is randomly going to Fort Collins and going to a Poudre HS football game. Nicole naturally likes to take charge and works hard at everything she puts her mind too and is able to always achieve it.

Only team to compete from Wyoming at the NCA National Championship; Douglas High Cheer

      This past year has been a great one for the Douglas High Cheer team, in Douglas WY. They have not only worked hard cheering on the rest of the Douglas High athletes but have worked hard to prove that they are national competitors themselves. This group of young ladies, led by Coach Margo Shatto, placed 20^th in their division at the National Cheer competition.
       The first step towards this achievement came at the Greeley, CO National Cheerleading Association camp during the summer of 2013. Here the team received their bid to go onto the NCA National Championship. After receiving this honor, the team worked long and hard on their routine as well as raising funds to be able to afford to attend the competition. The cheer team put on many different fundraisers including several bake sales, a rifle raffle, and a Butter Braid sale. The team was also given generous donations from local businesses, who wanted to show their support to the Douglas youth.
       Coach Shatto speaks highly of the determination, resourcefulness, and work ethic of these young athletes.“Watching them perform the routine that we worked so hard on for five months was amazing. They performed all their stunts without one mistake and danced like they have never danced before” the coach announced about her talented team. The Douglas cheer team performed admirably against over 300 teams from around the nation that were invited to this prestigious event. The chance to travel to a national championship is rare for many high school cheerleaders, but to place is an even greater accomplishment. Their hard work, determination, and innovation has created memories and experiences that the Douglas High School, Douglas community, and the Douglas Cheer team will never forget.

Wahoo High Cheer and Dance Wahoo, NE 2013-2014

Senior Laura for Wahoo High Dance

The Wahoo High School Dance Team coach, Megan Reisen, has worked hard to help her team grow over the past three years that she has been coach. She has helped all of the girls realize that goals are important in order to succeed. The team has set their goal for the 2013-2014 year to be place first at the Nebraska State Dance Competition. The team has narrowly missed this goal the last two years. With the team’s hard work and determination, Reisen thinks their goal is very realistic because of their personal ambition as well as the overall drive and determination of the team.  Captain, senior Laura Barry, loves how the team comes together to support each other as well as the rest of the school. Having such a close-knit team and community is part of the reason that the Wahoo Dance team has excelled so much since Reisen took the team under her wing.

Reisen’s favorite part about working with such an amazing group of young women is that she gets to see them grow as dancers, performers, and young women. “It’s an incredible feeling to see the progress each team has made from the beginning of a season during the summer to the state competition that rounds up our season”.  Reisen remembers being in her team’s shoes not so long ago. She was very involved in dance growing up and was a part of the Midland University dance team for four years. While at Midland University, Reisen earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. As well as coaching the Wahoo High School Dance Team, Reisen owns and operates the local dance studio and works on the side in a pharmaceutical lab.  Much of her free time is dedicated to dance and helping young men and women become better at their chosen sport. She has been teaching dance for seven years.

Pius X High School Varsity Cheer Lincoln, NE 2013

            Pius High School Cheerleading team is composed of a group of talented, athletic, and
energetic young women. These young ladies attend high school at Pius X High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Pius Thunderbolts are taught by Coach Heather. She is new to the coaching world but has brought a breath of fresh air to the team. Coach Heather is described as being inspirational and a wonderful role model by all three of the 2013 Thunderbolt team captains. She coached the Junior Varsity last year and is now the Head Coach of the varsity team. She says that the most rewarding aspect of coaching is the opportunity to be a positive role model to young women. Coach Heather says that “Cheerleading isn’t just about cheering but it is about the watching young ladies grow and mature.” They take the skills and confidence that they have developed through cheer and apply to their own lives. The lessons that they learn will help prepare them for life beyond high school. Her team really respects her as a coach because she has been a cheerleader herself and realizes the importance of team spirit, team unity, and self-growth, according to Captain Anna.

            One of the new programs that she has introduced has been to create team goals. These goals work to bring the entire team together and help them support and push each other to become better cheerleaders as well as more mature young ladies. Having goals also helps then entire team to know where they want to go as a team and what they need to do to get to these goals. Captain Madison states that the entire team is very unified which has helped them work much more cohesively in supporting their fellow athletes and school. Every member of the Thunderbolts is also expected to set her own individual goals to work towards in order to become a better leader. These goals are reviewed throughout the year so that all of the Thunderbolts stay on track for achieving their goals. Having these goals have brought home to all of the team members that they really are role models for all Pius students, which Captain Megan states is one of the greatest parts of being a Pius Cheerleader. Knowing this has brought a great sense of responsibility to each member of the team.
        
   While the Pius Cheerleaders work hard for their school, they also like to have fun. All three captain agree that one of the best feelings that comes from cheerleading is helping the crowd get excited and energetic in supporting all Pius athletes. They love the excitement that overtakes the crowd when the Thunderbolts score a touchdown. Coach Heather has worked hard over the past several years of creating an environment that helps Pius Cheerleaders to grow and mature into responsible young ladies as well as have fun while experiencing their high school years.

Demi inspires and leads by example

Demi has started her love affair with cheerleading and dance at a young age. Demi become a dancer Greeley, Colorado. Since she started her dance career, Demi has performed as a cheerleader, a dancer, and a gymnast. While in high school, Demi was selected as part of the Varsity Cheerleading squad during her freshman year of school. Two years later, she was given the opportunity to have an internship at Backstage Pass Dance Studio.

at the precocious age of 3 in her hometown of

            While dancing has always been one of Demi’s greatest love, she put this passion on hold for something else that is just as important to her. Demi served six years for Colorado Army National Guard as a chemical nuclear biological and radiation specialist.  At the end of her service career, Demi decided that she wanted rekindle her love with dance and cheering.

            Demi does not just love dancing but she also loves teaching others to love the sport. In 2012, Demi became the O’Connell Middle School Cheer Coach. Through coaching, Demi works to inspire young men and woman to believe in themselves. Demi is a great believer that anyone can do anything if they work hard enough and she strives to get all of her athletes to feel the same way. Demi has not only coached at O’Connell Middle School but also been the coach for the Lakewood Rec Cheerleading and Gymnastics teams, Dunstand Middle School Cheerleaders, Green Mountain High School Varsity Poms, and Commerce City Dance and Gymnastics.

            In 2013, Demi decided to become an entrepreneur as well as a dancer. She started the Colorado Eclipse All Star Cheerleading and Dance. Demi has worked hard not only to make dance and cheer her passion but also her livelihood. Through her business, Demi has been able to expand her reach in helping youths become hardworking, dedicated, and involved. Demi also made the Colorado Eagles dance team. Demi believes in leading by example and she shows it everyday while cheering, coaching, and running her business. 

Broncos Cheer Squad of the Berwick Youth Football League

Today's interview is with Rachael Eveland. She is the Head Coach of the Broncos cheer squad of the Berwick Youth Football League in Berwick, PA.

Her cheer squad consists of girls between the ages of 7-9. Their season goes 12 weeks with a competition to end the season.



1. How long have you been the coach of the Broncos cheer?

-This is my fourth season with the BYFL Broncos. I also coached a local middle school squad for two years as well.

2. What are some of the fundamental skills that you teach your squad?

-Since my squad is in the youngest division we offer, girls that are on my team are always brand new to cheerleading if they weren't on my squad the previous year. So with that, we really start at square one. Motions are a big deal for the first two or three weeks of practices. We play A LOT of simon says with motions to get the girls to really practice remembering them. After they have motions down, we work up from there: sidelines, cheers, and eventually stunting. As the season progresses we add more difficult material to the previously learned material. I focus on the girls mastering the basics so when they move onto to a different squad they have the basics down and can master whatever their new coach has for them.

3. What is a typical game day like and what is the most exciting part for your squad?

-When we first arrive at the field, we stretch and run through the cheers for the day. Right before the game starts, the football teams are announced onto the field. When the Broncos are called, my cheerleaders hold up a banner that we have painted the previous week. The football players then run through the banner, sometimes tearing it to pieces, sometimes getting knocked over instead. After that, we will meet up with the other cheer squad and exchange hello/thank you cheers. After this we will start the typical sidelines and cheers rotation throughout the rest of the game. During half time, my girls will go out to the 50 yard line and do a cheer for the football parents while the boys talk about the first half.

The girls’ favorite part of the game is definitely "throwing beads". Berwick is a HUGE football town, and everyone knows that in Berwick, the Varsity and JV cheerleaders throw footballs during each home game. These are small plastic footballs that are thrown after the crowd is lead in a cheer that spells out BERWICK. This is a Berwick tradition, and no game at Crispin Field is complete without it. Instead of throwing footballs, my cheerleaders throw blue, orange, and silver beads after leading the crowd in a cheer where they spell out BRONCOS.

4. Tell us more about the Berwick Youth Football League, when the girls get older do they move up to other squads?

- Berwick Youth Football League is divided into three divisions: Pony, B, and A. These divisions are all divided up by age. Girls are placed into the correct division regardless of experience. The BYFL is all about teaching basics and getting kids started in football and cheerleading. There are no try-outs and no turn-aways. Everyone is welcome to play.

5. At the end of the season you have a competition, tell us more about that and also how you prepare for it.

-After the regular football season, plays-offs, and Superbowls have been played, all of the cheerleading squads head up to Misericordia University. Each year the Misericordia cheerleaders host the Cougar Cheer & Dance Challenge. We participate in the Recreational Cheer division. We compete with a Hello Cheer, Sideline, Hometown Cheer, and Dance. Each component is judged individually and places/trophies are awarded for each component. Two years ago, my girls took two 1st places and two 5th places. Last year, we took home 2nd in all four categories.

Since there are other teams outside the BYFL we go up against, the BYFL also awards the winning-est BYFL team after we return home. There is a point system awarded for trophies brought home, team with the most points, wins amongst the BYFL teams. This is considered the cheerleaders’ “Superbowl”. For winning the superbowl, the football players receive championships rings. For winning competition, the cheerleaders receive charm bracelets.

6. What is the most rewarding part of your job as coach with your squad?

There have been so many rewarding moments in my coaching career. I love when my previous cheerleaders come up to me in their new uniforms after they’ve moved up to tell me about all the new skills they have been learning. I have loved going to competition with my girls and seeing their smiles as they perform on the mat and give their very best for the judges (and then the smiles of taking home four trophies). I love moments when a skill or moment clicks for the girls: they understand how the game of football is played, they’ve mastered a dance, or they threw their beads directly to a fan. I love to see my cheerleaders succeed!!!

7. Tell us more about your background and how you got started coaching the Broncos cheer.

-I cheered for three years in high school for Varsity Football, Wrestling, and Basketball. I attended East Stroudsburg University for my freshman year of college. There I cheered as one of seven freshmen on the squad. After my freshman year, I transferred to Bloomsburg University. Since I had transferred so late, try-outs for the BU squad had already passed. One of my younger sisters was involved with the BYFL at the time and her team needed a coach. I thought at the time I would just coach for a year and then try-out for the BU squad. I fell in love with coaching and never ended up trying out. During my second and third year of coaching the Broncos, I also coached the Danville Middle School squad. This was a very different experience than my 7 & 8 year old Broncos. I loved it, but was unable to continue coaching both this year. I am also currently in the midst of starting a competition team at the Berwick YMCA.

8. What would you tell parents that have a girl or boy that wants to try cheerleading but hasn't yet?

-TRY IT! I tried everything growing up: soccer, floor hockey, basketball, softball, swimming, and track and field. Nothing fit me as well as cheerleading. It took me until my sophomore year of high school to find a sport that truly fit me. Find what your child enjoys!

And a special shout out to the boys who want to cheer – DO IT! There is one boy in the entire BYFL that cheers. He is not on my squad, but I am so proud of him and his family, and the BYFL, for allowing him to cheer! Do whatever makes you happy! And if a boy wants to cheer, LET HIM! I think guy cheerleaders are seriously the best! In the BYFL we have a handful of girls that play football. Again, I think this is awesome! Do what you love and what makes you happy! That’s what it’s all about!

Pius Varsity Cheer Lincoln, NE