The Ledger Independent - Maysville, Kentucky -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 3/8/2006
Last Visited: 3/13/2006
"That's one of the reasons this squad has been so successful," said Tonya Wenz, executive director at the local YMCA and the one who organized this group two years ago.
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Wenz introduced the program because there was not an opportunity in this area for little girls -- those under the age of 12.
"If you want to be a very good competitive cheerleader, starting early is key," she said.
Growing up in Greenup County, Wenz began tumbling and cheering at an early age.She was a cheerleader all four years she was a student at Greenup County High School until she graduated in 1988.
One of those years, her cheerleading squad was crowned national champion at a Universal Cheer Association competition.
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Wenz says the girls get very nervous before a competition.
"But when they come off the floor after competing, they're smiling and feel good about what they've been able to accomplish."
Competition in this day and age is a very important part of cheerleading, but Wenz and Morris also want the squad to know what it's like to cheer during a football or basketball game.
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"We have a flag football team here at the YMCA and the girls have cheered for some of their games," said Wenz.
The girls have also cheered for teams at the Maysville Boys' and Girls' Club.
There is also another squad made up of younger girls, beginning at the age of 4.As their skills improve they can move to the competition squad.
Wenz is amazed at how popular this class has become so quickly.
"I have enough interest in this class to make up four or five squads," said Wenz.
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