The Sky Athletics Cheerleading and Tumbling team is heading to San Antonio, Texas in February after both teams not only took first place in their respective levels at a recent competition but they also secured a spot at the Fun Cheer National Championship event.
“Both teams were very excited about the outcome. All of their hard work these past few weeks has paid off and we are so excited to continue this season,” said coach and trainer Amanda Jackson.
Two teams from Paris’ Sky Athletics competed at the Fun Cheer Winter Wonderland competition held at the University of North Texas on Nov. 24. and both came home with top awards.
“Both teams, Mini Novice Level 1 and Junior Novice Level 2, took first place in their level and our Junior team not only took first place in their level, but they also won their division which they received the highest score amongst all other Novice teams that competed,” said Phillips. “Only one athlete out of the 22 that we took has competed before, so this was new territory for the rest of the team.”
On top of those awards, both teams also received a score that qualified them to go to Nationals in San Antonio.
Both teams are made up of 11 cheerleaders ranging from 5 to 14 years of age. Each team performed a one minute and thirty-second routine which consisted of stunts, tumbling, jumps, a pyramid, and an ending dance.
“We held tryouts in August at the Family Fun Center, which is where we also train and our teams have been practicing ever since,” said Phillips. “Our girls practice twice a week with one practice being a team practice where we work the routine and the second practice is an optional tumbling class where they can progress in their tumbling skills outside of their team practices.”
Phillips said although the season has already begun, they can add to their teams if the required skills can be met.
“Aside from our competition teams, we do have other tumbling and cheerleading classes and are continuously welcoming new athletes. The competitive cheer season begins in August and ends in March and we also offer additional tumbling and cheerleading classes are year-round.”
Sky Athletics’ next competition is in Tyler, Texas on Jan. 19.
Locals who are interested in signing their kids up for the cheerleading program can contact Phillips at 903-249-1293.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday in the evenings and are split according to skill level and age.
