Cheerleading brilliance
BRYANSTON - Traditionally, cheerleading is not a sport one associates with a typical South African school.
However, Bryanston High School is one of many that has bucked the trend by wholeheartedly embracing a sport strongly associated with the United States of America, excelling at it without any equal. Since the sport’s establishment at the school in 2003, Bryanston has eclipsed the competition, winning the regional championships six times consecutively, and the national championships on seven occasions.
This superiority was reflected in the announcement of a 24-member national squad which will represent South Africa at the International Cheerleading Union World Championships in Orlando, USA from 26 April. Past and present pupils make up 13 spots in the squad, including school captain Xixlovu Mabunda, while former pupil Cassandra Wingrove was appointed team vice-captain.
Administrator, Shorts Davidson said team members, coached by Candia Lonsdale, were passionate about cheerleading while also being committed and dedicated.
“Teamwork and a sense of belonging in what is essentially a family, defines the sport, and I think this is what we’ve managed to get right with the squad,” said Davidson.
“Furthermore, a willingness to learn, mastering the technique and trust among teammates are a vital component to succeed.”
Davidson added that cheerleading was different to other team sports because of its reliance on everyone playing their part.
“Without knocking any other team sport, I believe cheerleading is the most ‘teamly’ sport I know of. If you have one person missing from training it affects the entire session. You can’t build a pyramid if one part of the base is missing.”
She said it was different from other sports as it did not follow a traditional sporting profile, and that anyone could join in.
“Which other sport out there can you pick up girls? As they say, ‘Any guy can hold a girl by the hand, but only the elite can hold her by the feet’.”
The International Cheerleading Union has motivated for the sport to be included in future Olympic events.
Who knows? Maybe Bryanston High can boast an Olympic medallist in future.
Bryanston high kicks butt!