Williams Valley High School cheerleading team hosts UCA Cheer Camp

Photos & Story by Amy Leitzel, WV Cheer Coach

WILLIAMSTOWN — The William Valley High School Cheerleading squad has been actively preparing this summer for their Friday night “Between the Pines” football games at Viking Stadium! Led by a new coaching staff, including Head Coach Amy Leitzel, and Assistant Coaches, Shelby Machamer, Tessa Zellers and Kristy Deeter, who are all alumnae of Williams Valley, the squad consists of 26 female student athletes representing all grade levels from freshmen to seniors.

Voluntary practices started in June and continued through August to ensure the squad retains its physical conditioning to perform their cheers, routines, jumps, and stunts while also supporting incoming freshman with learning new skills and routines.

The month of June ended with a 3-day Universal Cheerleading Association Cheer (UCA) Camp held at WV high school. The cheerleaders were on top of their game at camp this year winning various daily awards ranging from jump-offs, dance, stunt and leadership ribbons. The Viking cheerleaders left the camp with a UCA Superior trophy and a total of 9 individuals being honored as UCA All American Cheerleaders which earns them the opportunity to perform at special events across the county and/or internationally.

The first football game of the season will take place at home against neighboring rival Upper Dauphin, an event that generates a large crowd on both sides of the field and is a great way to kick off football season!

The squad looks forward to many themed football games this year including their big “white-out” game against Schuylkill Haven. The cheerleaders will be selling special “White-Out” t-shirts to help outfit their fans in style! On that night, the cheerleading and football programs will also host the Williams Valley “Little Vikes”. The Vikes cheerleaders will join the varsity squad on the sideline cheering and all the young football players and cheerleaders get to participate in the “run-thru” at the beginning of the game. This has become one of the squad’s favorite games of the year, as they look forward to mentoring the youth program!

And you can’t forget to visit the Cheer Booth to sample all the delicious snacks and treats which support the Viking cheerleaders! The cheer booth is a favorite among our young fans. Please follow Williams Valley High School Cheerleading on Facebook to keep connected to all the squads’ happenings!