Gators headed to beach for national competition

The Gators all-star cheerleaders are pictured at a recent competition. The Classic Cheer Company Gator all-star cheerleaders are headed to Myrtle Beach for the 2005 Open Jam Nationals, where they will compete against squads from Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The 2004-2005 Gators have had a successful season, winning the 2004 NCA Carowinds championship and the UCA Upstate Challenge Champion at USC-Upstate. They are now hoping to bring home the Ocean Jam national title.

The squad consists of girls ages nine to 17 from several local and surrounding area schools. They come from Draytonville, Grassy Pond and Goucher elementaries, Ewing and Gaffney middle schools, Gaffney High School and Mountain View Christian Academy.

The Gators are the first all-star competitive cheerleading squad in Gaffney. Coaches Candace Ramsey and Rita Beaty said they felt that with the vast amount of talent in the area there wasn’t any reason not to form an all-star cheerleading squad.

“Although it takes many hours of practice and time spent in the gym working on tumbling skills, it’s worth it when the girls excel and feel good about their performance at practice and competitions,” said Beaty. “Dedication, determination and positive attitude are the qualities of an all-star cheerleader.

“We feel very fortunate to have a squad of great girls and parents.”