4/24/08

Three cheers for Fuzion Ignite!

by Beckye Randall

These days, being a cheerleader is more than a popularity contest. Competitive cheerleading squads train hard, participate in rigorous competitions and combine tumbling, stunts and dance moves with cheering.

Lisa Ogden and Lisa Blake have more than six years experience coaching cheer teams and have recently opened Fuzion Ignite All-Star Cheerleading at Rising Stars Gymnastics in Marysville. Tryouts for boys and girls ages 4-18 are slated for Saturday, April 26 at the gym, located at 3707-124th St. NE in Marysville.

The cheer squad combines gymnastics and tumbling into routines, but Ogden said hopefuls aren’t required to have prior experience in those areas.

“We’ll teach them all the moves,” Ogden said, “so all they need to bring is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.”

Kids in the all-star cheer program will participate in the Marysville Strawberry Festival and Lake Stevens’ AquaFest, and will have an opportunity to attend a cheerleading summer camp at the end of July. Practice for competitions begins in September.

Competitive cheerleaders participate in individual, partner and team events held throughout the year. Competitions are usually held in Tacoma and Oregon as well as other locations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“Cheerleading is becoming more popular because it’s a new and challenging sport,” said Blake. “Nationwide, enrollment in gymnastics is down 25 percent while cheerleading is up 25 percent.”

Explaining the appeal of competitive cheerleading, Ogden said, “You don’t have to be popular and you don’t have to be rich” to participate in the sport.

Blake added, “All the parents and teams are very supportive of one another, even when they’re competing. It’s a friendly and nurturing environment for kids.”

Both boys and girls participate in competitive cheerleading. Blake said, “The routines are generally easier for boys because they’re often physically stronger, with more core strength for gymnastics.” Boys on the teams may form the base for pyramids and other stunt formations, and be the designated “catcher” for teammates who fly in basket throw moves.

The two mothers are dedicated to keeping the program affordable for families. By selecting identical uniforms for all age groups, the outfits can be passed down to younger members rather than buying all new costumes each year. They’ve promised to keep the same style for at least four years to help justify the initial cost of the cheerleading uniforms.

Fuzion Ignite will initially offer classes for kids ages 4-18 but plans to expand to include a Tiny Tots division (under 4 years old) and add a special needs class.

For more information about Fuzion Ignite All-Star Cheerleading tryouts, visit www.fuzionignite.com or call (360) 653-7597.