Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo By Eric Zitz

New cheerleading coach to guide squad

BY Ozzie Dhramapitaksook

addhramapitaksook@vwc.edu

The fall semester is comprised of various sports that lift spirits and create an electrifying atmosphere across campus. Still, most of that energy and enthusiasm is magnified by one sport: cheerleading. Beginning this fall, the Virginia Wesleyan cheerleading program will be under the direction of new head cheerleading coach Amanda Lyons, a 2006 graduate from Old Dominion University.

 My first impression after meeting the squad was very positive, said Lyons.  Everyone is very energetic, outgoing, and most importantly, excited about this season.

Despite being only 23 years of age, Lyons has built a strong coaching resume in the Hampton Roads area and beyond. After graduating with an advanced diploma from Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Lyons became not only a college student, but a cheerleading coach as well.

At ODU, Lyons became a Dean s List student and went on to pursue a business degree in management with a minor in decision science. While taking classes, Lyons dedicated her love for the sport of cheerleading to coaching. She became a cheerleading coordinator, board member and head coach of the Pop Warner Bennetts Creek Football Association, affiliated with the Warriors cheerleading program in Suffolk. In 2005, her squad finished second in a regional competition in Huntsville, Ala.

The following year, Lyons guided her warriors into a 10th place finish at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Along with coaching the select group of cheerleaders, Lyons was a team representative for Spirit Xpress cheerleading, an all-star type team.

As tryouts continue through the fall, Lyons is expecting success from her group of girls and guys in the classroom as well as on the cheering mats. As an organized coach who thrives on discipline, Lyons has been preparing for her job well in advance. Continuous efforts last year to watch practices and competitions will help pave the way for Lyons to build on what was left by the former coach.

 The one thing I would like to change this year is for everyone to become more disciplined than the team has ever been, said Lyons.  I also would encourage more guys to come out and try out for the team.

Though she is a young coach at the college level, Lyons feels it gives her a slight edge in bringing the team together.

 I feel as if I am on the same level with my team, from freshmen to seniors, said Lyons.  The advantage of being a young coach is so I can easily relate to everyone s personality and to how everyone thinks and acts.

Away from cheerleading, Lyons is also working as an administrative assistant for CDI Marine engineering.

As she continues her love for cheerleading, Lyons will strive to make the VWC squad the best it can possibly be.

 The one word I think of when I see my squad every day is energetic, said Lyons.