Grain Valley Cheerleaders Focus on Teamwork

Delanne Carlson, beginning her 11 th year as head coach of the Grain Valley High School cheerleading team, faces a full schedule this fall and winter. But she is excited about the upcoming school year and the team’s focus on working together as a team.

Carlson states, “This year’s Varsity team has a very high ability level. Everyone tumbles, all are capable of successfully completing complicated stunt sequences in the high difficulty range, they’ve been working hard on their sideline jump, motion and dance skills, and they have lots of energy. But there are some unique challenges and variables we’ve not had to work through before.”

The Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA) voted to move the Regional Competition from the summer to November, in an effort to allow students and coaches to have more time off during summer break. Carlson states the team has enjoyed working on preparatory skills this summer with less than half of the typical summer time commitment. But, as Carlson explains, “Regionals will now be held in November, which is also the end of football season and the beginning of basketball season, so keeping up with all of our sideline commitments while preparing to compete and keeping the primary focus on academics could be a challenge.”

The state competition will be held in December, and the varsity team plans to attend NCA High School Nationals in Dallas in January.

The team’s motto for 2018-19, “We rise by lifting others!”, emphasizes their focus on working together as a

team. Carlson explains, “It’s always important to work on individual skills, but there is no individual on the team who can reach our goal of performing a clean, flawless competition routine, without the help of their teammates. It requires working well together every step of the way.”

Given the challenges the team faces this season, Carlson believes this is the perfect year to focus on helping each other become successful. “Shifting the focus away from ourselves and on to the bigger picture is also a great life lesson. We

can accomplish so much more in life when we are able to work in harmony with others.”

Carlson states the team is very appreciative of the community’s enthusiasm during games. In addition to cheering along with the team, the community can support cheerleaders by participating in their fundraising events this year.

The Little Eagles Cheer & Dance Clinic will be held September 24 th , with a football pregame performance on September 28 th . The clinic is open to Kindergarten through 5 th grade students in any

district. It is the biggest fundraiser for the team and provides an opportunity to introduce the next generation to the sport of cheerleading. Registration forms will be available soon; inquiries can be emailed to dcarlson@gvr5.net. The team has set a goal to double their attendance this year to help fund the team’s trip to Nationals. The team will also once again host the Father-Daughter Dance in early 2019.

The 2018-19 Grain Valley High School Cheerleading Team’s motto is “We Rise by Lifting Others”. Seated (L to R): Dakota Vogel, Lily Pederson, Standing (L to R): Liz Swafford, Delanie Limpic, Kailyn Duett, Alyssa Luppens

Photo Credit: Diana Luppens