Feb 7-12,

Corner Canyon cheer won first in the State of Utah, both teams, so we were off to Nationals in Florida.  This time I did everything possible to not get sick: getting a flu shot, drinking Emergen-C, lots of water, OCD washing my hands, exercising and getting enough sleep. It worked, I was in very good health to witness the real-life-realty-TV-like cheer competition.  Also, I had two friends there this year, whose daughters are on the team, which made it much more enjoyable. (Although, they’ve had it with the coaches and sadly their girls will not be trying out again) Here are my takeaways:

1. It’s a very good idea to stay in a different hotel than all the girls (and moms).
2. The drama, tears, crazy coaches, crazy cheer moms and intensity is ALL TOO REAL!
3. One of the Corner Canyon teams upset the whole competition by winning first in the nation in their division – (last year they were 17th)  A Utah team hasn’t won since 1980.  Their other team placed 10th (last year they placed 7th) in the more difficult large division.
4. The long flight, 4 day sleepover, living on junk food, playing at the parks and/or practicing in 87 degrees makes for seriously raw emotions.
5. Don’t walk around the parks in sandals or I will come home with some wicked shin splints.
6. I don’t care what anyone thinks…Disneyland is SO MUCH BETTER than Disney World.
7. I think I should take Becca with me next year, I think she’d love this kind of event!
   Ari and her stunt group 8. As much as I make fun, want to write a letter to the coaches and some of the cheer moms about ethics, turn the coaches in for misappropriating funds and want to have it out with the head coach, I remain extremely proud of Ari and her dedication to her team.  You’d be amazed by how much they practice and how hard these girls work.  She had her end of the year banquet last night.  She lettered in cheer and received the “most improved base” award with the coach saying she is “ridiculously strong” and I’d agree in more ways than one!