popwarner.com - 2005 Award Recipients - Palomar College Cheerleading

About Palomar College Cheerleading:

“When it comes to cheerleading, many people have a vision of girls wearing skirts and doing chants with a little choreography. Not anymore. Palomar College has always had a long tradition of a top-notch cheerleading program. But in the last three or four years, we've added a level of discipline and accountability at practices, games, nationals, and scholastics that have taken the team to a new level,” said Palomar Cheerleading Coordinator Paul Groom.

The 26-member cheerleading team trains at least 20-25 hours per week, including morning workouts in the Palomar College Dome from 6:00 – 8:50 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday, a regularly scheduled cheerleading class, and evening practices.

“Here, they have to really balance their lives,” says Groom. “They're trying to juggle relationships with friends, academics, living at home with their parents, jobs and cheering, which is a huge obligation. So they make sacrifices and really learn to manage their time and when they go off to a four-year university and can embrace only cheerleading and school, they truly enjoy it. I know I did.”

Palomar College has really established itself as a cheerleading powerhouse, racking up quite an impressive resume in the last several years. Some of their accomplishments include: 2005 UCA National Champions; 2004 USA National Champions and Partner Stunt Champions; 2003 USA Collegiate National Champions; 2nd at 2003 UCA College Cheerleading & Dance Nationals; 2002 USA National Champions; 2001 USA National Champions and Partner Stunt Champions; 2nd in Partner Stunt at 2001 NCA Nationals; 2nd at 2000 UCA Nationals.

Team members must sign up in the Cheer Class and are required to carry and pass at least twelve class units including the Cheer Class. They must maintain a basic GPA. Teams will practice and perform during the week and on weekends. Teams are selected in the Spring for the following year, giving time for cheer camp during the summer months. Students are welcome to attend the class sessions for experience and the possibility of moving onto a team if a member drops off.

Coach Info: Coaches Tim Passaloqua and Paul Groom are both former Palomar College cheerleaders who went on to cheer at the Universities Of Kentucky and Louisville, respectively, and hold seven national championship titles between them.

About their Cheerleaders: 'We are looking for the all-around cheerleader,” says Groom. Requirements include a full range of standing tumbling, running tumbling with a minimum of a back handspring tuck and at least a toss Heel Stretch full-down.

Money Matters: Because JC's in California are not allowed to provide athletic scholarships for tuition and fees, the school incurs all cheer-related expenses, such as uniforms, camp tuition and travel.

Their Own Style: “Our team has always been known for our California flair,” says Groom. “In the future, you're going to see more rock solid routines at PC, not as creative, but more consistent. We want to become an icon of stability.”