April is here, and that means college nationals are right around the corner.
Next week, BUCS Cheer and Dance head down to Daytona to compete for a national title. We work all season (August-April), growing our skills and repping our routine. Hours and hours of work for just 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
Here are some things I have learned while preparing my teams for competition.
1) Let them cook. Don’t rush the process. Athletes need to get comfortable with the routine and build endurance. As much as we want the routine to hit zero every time they do a full out, the reality is, it is going to take time.
2) Be able to pivot and adapt to changes. The routine that is choreographed at the beginning of the season will not be the routine that is performed at the last competition. Changes can happen for a multitude of reasons, and when your athletes adjust and overcome, they start to build confidence.
3) Energy is contagious. If my athletes or I are overwhelmed and frantic, it flows to the routines. However, if we are calm and collected, the routine tends to be that way as well. It is so important for my athletes to have a good headspace and to speak positivity over each other and themselves prior to a full out.
4) Remind your athletes to cherish the moment. This is the final time they will do this routine with this group of people. This may be some of my athletes’ final time on the mat. The moment is rare, so encourage them to make the most of it.
From August to April, it has been a journey. I look forward to what my athletes perform on the mat next week. I am proud of all that they have accomplished and how they have grown! Be sure to tune in on Varsity TV to watch all the Buccaneers perform.
Prelims, Thursday, April 10
Dance- 10:54 AM
All Girl- 11:47 AM
Coed- 8:00 PM
Cheers,
Coach Dunc
