February 14, 2003

Photo by BEN RUEHLMANN Cheerleaders perform a difficult 2-2-1 stunt to entertain the home crowd.

“It’s our first year recruiting cheerleaders,” said Whalen. “It’s our first year to bring new students in just to do cheerleading and dance.” Based on appearances, both squads resemble much of the squads from last year. However, just like any other team there have been changes and additions. The cheerleaders have one noticeable difference from last year. Last year, the squad started off with three male members and eventually ended with four male cheerleaders. Out of those four, only one male has returned.

Sophomore Greg Jackson was the fourth male to join the squad last year and became this year’s lone male cheerleader. “I liked what I was doing,”said Jackson. “This wasn’t premeditated. I was giving an opportunity and I liked it.” In high school, Jackson was familiar with males being on cheerleading squads. He knew of guys that were on his high school squad. “Through high school, those guys tried to get me to come out, but I had other sports going on at the time,” said Jackson. Although most of the elements in a routine are easily executed by females, Whalen said that Jackson will do whatever the rest of the squad does. “Whatever the rest of the squad does, he’ll jump in a be a part,” said Whalen. “He stays there for the chants and modifies the notions for him to do easily. He doesn’t skip a beat, including in the dance.”

The dance squad has also gone through changes. Last year’s head coach, Sara Mallard moved to Texas. ASP junior, Cheray Bazar took over Mallard’s coaching position. Last year, Mallard and Bazar were co-coaches of the team. Jenn Rollins started out as the dance squad’s assistant coach this year. However, a student teaching job in Fredericksburg, Va. led Rollins to step down as assistant coach. Senior Tatjana Heintz then took over Rollins job.
With Heintz becoming assistant coach, there was an opening on the team. Bazar contacted freshman Bianca Thomas.

“She did really well and worked hard,” said Bazar. “She learned the routine that took the squad one week in three days.” With basketball season coming to an end, both squads start to prepare more for their competitions. For the cheerleading squad, captains Jennifer Green and Christina Cooper design the choreography. For the dance squad, Nick Sobczak, a professional cheerleader in San Francisco and Sacramento, will be helping the dance squad. Bazar used to coach with Sobczak in Nebraska. Both teams will attend the competition at Virginia Wesleyan on Apr. 6 and a competition on Apr. 26 at Busch Gardens.

Campus recreation provides fun

Campus Recreation has eight outdoor trips planned for the spring semester and indoor intramural sporting events

By CARLOS MARTILLO

Virginia Wesleyan’s Campus Recreation has coordinated several activities intended to create a community of students to experience new programs beyond the usual game of pool. Campus Recreation, located in the Batten Center across from the bookstore allows students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in intramural sports and outdoor activities regardless of the amount of skill a person has. Director of Campus Recreation Cindy Smith acts as a supervisor while the students coordinate a system to follow.

“Ninety percent of the help we receive comes from the students themselves,” said Smith. Smith’s main goals are for students to “have fun” and “create social interaction.” “The programs allow students to develop their leadership skills, which is a good motivational tool,” she said. Eight outdoor activities are planned for this spring semester. They include recreational kayaking at Lake Smith on Feb. 16 at no expense, followed by a ski trip to Wintergreen on Feb. 23 that will cost $65. Also, a deal with Ski-World provides the opportunity for the trip to occur even though a minimal amount of students decide to sign up.

There will be a day hike on Mar. 1, and a sea kayak trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore Park will take place March 15-19 at a cost of $45. A backpacking trip to the Shenandoah is scheduled for March 28-30 at a cost of $10 and a another kayaking trip on Apr. 11 at no cost. A biking trip on Apr. 27 will be at no cost at all. “I think students would enjoy it more if it wasn’t so regulated. However, I love the outdoors and think the kayaking trip was a good idea,” said senior Laura Braun.

An Outdoor Clinic Series will meet on March 4 for about an hour and will show the basics of how people should go about their first trip as well as what equipment is necessary. Other faculty/staff that help out with the trips are Women’s Basketball Coach Joanne Renn, an avid back packer, and Security Officer Tracy Grisset, a 20-year experienced paddler. “Trips aren’t about the money. Usually we end up paying from our end, or it evens out,” said Smith. Trips aren’t all the Campus Recreation has to offer. Intramural sports include 5-on-5 basketball, roller hockey every Thursday, indoor soccer on Feb. 11, volleyball on March 31, softball on Apr. 4, and outdoor sand volleyball on May 5-6. These sports are primarily brought forth from the students who mainly coordinate the teams.

“It’s all about having fun. Anyone can come out. The players are not too serious,” said junior Conor Dolan, who usually participates in indoor soccer. “It’s a good opportunity for people to play in a school environment and meet new people.” Campus Recreation provides more than just intramural sports. It allows students to rent equipment for a weekend camping, hiking, or biking trip. With equipment available to rent at no more than $5, students are provided with the chance to have an outdoor experience. Of course, there are some requirements before you check out the equipment. Having gone on a trip to gain experience or showing a sense of knowledge of the equipment could help with people’s chances of renting.

New club sports have been brought to the attention such as the swimming, men’s volleyball and the equestrian club. “Students have to develop it themselves. Some don’t understand the commitment needed to form these clubs,” said Smith. Even though participation and ideas are forthcoming in the Recreation Center, there are always room for improvements. “I would like for students to take more of an initiative with the opportunities we offer. I want students to get excited about Intramural activities and to create traditions: for students to be spirited and competitive,” said Smith. For more information contact the campus recreation office at extension 3532.

Meet the Captains

2003 women’s basketball

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