Friday Morning Cheer & Dance Action!

At any Pop Warner Cheer and Dance competition, including Nationals, squads sometimes have to expect the unexpected.. When the Bullhead City Flames from Arizona had a brush with the unexpected , they didn't miss a beat. The Flames were off to a great start and were performing well, when a music malfunction put a stop to their music, but not to their routine. Tri Captains Sherry Scott, Jenna Cabello, and Stephanie Montgomery began to lead their team as they called it out. “We didn't expect the inconsistancy, and our team didn't know what to do, but it was our time to shine.” They all pulled together, got the routine back in synch, and finished in great style. If it was your team, could they do it?

These girls tell other young Pop Warner Teams and future Pop Warner Stars to give it your best, follow your dreams, and work hard. What great advice from the Flames, even when their 1 st performance ever at Nationals wasn't what they had practiced for over the past four months. We wish them the best of luck as they get to get a second opportunity this morning to give the perfect performance.

Story by Erin Katherine Sykes

"Howell Lions Jr. Midgets Roar!"

"Unbelievable! Great day!" bubbled Head Coach Catherine Runkel of the Howell Lions just after her Junior Midget Large Advanced squad captured 2 nd Place honors at the Pop Warner Nationals. " We worked very hard . Our girls went out there today with the most unbelievable spirit. I think that really helped them, and it really showed for the judges."

Like most participants at Pop Warner Cheer and Dance National this week, Coach Runkel said that once her girls had finished their routine they were anxious to learn about their scores. "But our coaching staff told the girls that scores were irrelevant. The main thing was that all of the girls were thrilled, and felt that they had given a strong performance."

The Lions performance today was strong, but not flawless. Unfortunately one of the girls touched down. "It was upsetting for her and for everyone. . But, they realized that they were all on the same team, that they had worked hard all season, and that it was absolutely wonderful to be here at The Milk House and part of Nationals."

A total of 33 Howell Lions came down to Disney, all seventh and eighth graders. Coach Runkel said her team this year was very hardworking and has overcome lots of obstacles; including illnesses, and injuries. "We had four trainers and five coaches who worked so hard and who also came along for the trip," added Coach Runkel. "Our trainers are high school juniors, they came in and worked with the girls and put together a terrific routine for them. The younger girls enjoyed this experience very much, and it really helped that the older girls were mentors to our younger ones."

We asked Coach Runkel,"How does Pop Warner affect you as a coach?" She replied, "As a coach, what we have found over the past several years is that there's nothing like Pop Warner and Disney. We also say that about the competitions, there's no competition like a Pop Warner competition. You have to gain each placement as you go through in order to come to Nationals here at Walt Disney World. But, the beauty of it is that all our girls can participate and contribute to our success!"

Like the Tom's River Angels and Little Indians, the Burlington Patriots , the Sparks Cardinals and many other perennial Pop Warner champions, the Howell Cheer Squads, are one of the largest successful cheer teams in the country.

"Still," said Coach Runkel, "It's all about participation. We don't turn any girls away. One of my smallest girls on the team is a midget. She has been with us for the past five years. She has stuck through it and been a real whipper-snapper for us. It's important that Pop Warner recognizes the will of all to work hard and excel. It encourages everyone to share as they build life skills."

Coach Runkel added, "Parents and supporters love that they don't turn anyone away, learning or physical disability. They know that Pop Warner promotes human understanding and both team and individual development, and they encourage that starting at a young age."

Coach Runkel told us that "Pop Warner really expects a lot of both coaches and kids. And it teaches everyone good sportsmanship skills, awareness of working as a team, and what it means to win and lose as a team. They help kids begin to take pride themselves, in the work they're doing, and in their accomplishments. "

"Pride and accomplishment, teamwork and understanding"….It's all part of Pop Warner Cheer and Dance. Congratulations to the Howell Lions and all the teams and squads at this year's Pop Warner Super Bowl Week. You are ALL champs!

Story by Erin Katherine Sykes