The cheers coming from the YMCA were the loudest yet this season, and bode well for the future of Rocky Cheerleading. Rock Island High Schools Cheer Team hosted their annual kids clinic February 4th, 2024, which according to Head Coach Patricia Galleagos has been a tradition since she was a Rock, dating back to the 90’s/early 2000’s, when she cheered here. Compared to previous years, the clinic was done during basketball season, rather than football due to such a busy schedule, but found the benefits to be quite useful. They didn’t have to worry about the cheerleaders getting too hot or getting rained out.
The clinic hosts grades kindergarten through eighth grade, and lasts 4 hours. The high school cheerleaders from all squads come to help run and supervise the camp. While at the clinic, the Little Rocks learn motions, cheers, jumps, dancing, and stunting. after the camp, they are presented the opportunity to perform what they learned at a basketball game in front of “a great crowd”, Coach Galleagos explains. She recommends the camp to anyone interested in cheering, due to the learning and performing aspect, and also for the affordability the clinic offers. Coach Galleagos points out how important having the clinic is, “to expose younger children to cheerleading, and ensure that the interest in RI Cheerleading stays strong.”
For Junior Isabella Adner, her first year helping lead the camp was an enjoyable experience, saying, “The best part was bonding with my teammates,” and that she plans to do it again next year to continue experiencing and learning new things. Adner also liked being able to give future athletes a better understanding of basic components that make up cheerleading. Her time at the clinic was well spent, as she stated, “My favorite thing to teach was the crowd cheers and chants because I enjoy getting people involved and participating.” Adner said she was excited with the turn out this year, but hopes for an even larger number next year to allow their program (and pride) to continue to grow.
