Area cheerleading teams and individuals will have the opportunity to test their ability against some of
the best squads and participants in Ohio as Owens Community College serves as host to a "Back to
School" Cheerleading Competition on Aug. 16.
Presented by Owens’ Cheerleading Program, the competition will begin at 10 a.m. in the College’s Student
Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg
Township.
The cheerleading competition is open to area schools and all-star and community cheerleading programs, as
well as pee wee through senior and middle school through high school teams and individuals. Competition
categories include team, individual, stunt group and co-ed partner in non-mount, mount and all-star
divisions. The "Back to School" Cheerleading Competition is open to preschool- through
college-age participants.
Routines performed in all three divisions cannot exceed two minutes and 30 seconds in length. Non-mount
and mount routines are allowed a maximum of one minute and 30 seconds for the music section, while
all-star divisions may perform their entire routine to music. The routines must include one cheer, one
chant and a dance. A panel of judges will critique all divisions with the top teams and individuals in
each division receiving awards.
In addition to the existing three divisions, the cheerleading competition will offer a new sideline
spirit division, which is free to any team wanting to participate in their respective age categories.
Each team will perform a one minute "crowd involvement" cheer in which they should display
methods of getting the crowd to stand up, clap and cheer. Technical skills are encouraged to be kept to
minimum and will not be judged. The use of signs, flags, banners and other spirit-related items are
recommended.
Since 2001, the Owens Cheerleading Program has earned regional and national acclaim for cheerleading,
garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer
and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the
Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter
Nationals.
The Owens Cheerleading Program is led by Jessica Nekoranec.
The cheerleading competition registration fees are $20 per individuals and stunt teams and $40 per team
divisions. The registration deadline is Wednesday and space is limited. For more information, or to
register, call (567) 661-7973 or (800) GO-OWENS, ext. 7973, or (419) 575-2436.