from argonauts.ca:
Get the Rookie & Veteran Pro Cheerleaders’ perspective to learn more about the training camp, style & stamina it takes to prepare the  2010 Toronto Argos CFL Cheerleaders for game day!

BEYOND THE POMS: BOOT CAMP

April 26, 2010

GIAN
Argos Cheerleader

The Veteran Perspective

Fresh off of the adrenaline rush that accompanied the announcement that we made the team, the 2010 Argos Cheerleaders met up for our annual boot camp weekend. Boot camp is best described as a weekend of bonding mixed with a whole lot of business, as the team gets to know each other better while getting information about the 2010 season. This year’s boot camp was all about surprises, as our coach Jorie and manager Paola kept us in the dark about our itinerary, and we just went with the flow. The only instructions we got were that we should pack digital cameras, workout clothes, running shoes, and overnight stuff like pajamas and toothbrushes.

Bright and early Saturday morning we got straight down to business. We had members of our front office come in to teach us about things like Ticketing, Marketing, Finance and Community Relations. Even though this is my third year, and therefore my third boot camp, I still learn something new from every speaker, every single year. This year we were also treated to a special surprise visit from our new Head Coach Jim Barker and Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Jaime Elizondo, who gave us the lowdown on “Football 101”. This was a fantastic addition to our boot camp itinerary, as they had us execute plays in order to get a genuine understanding of  what those complicated plays actually mean and the intricacies of what really goes on during the game. Needless to say all of us, including the vets, walked away from Football 101 with even more respect for our players – I think I’d go so far as to say that the mental aspect of their jobs may be just as, if not more, challenging than the physical!

With the business details out of the way, we had some serious bonding time and got to know our teammates! This is always my favourite part of boot camp, as the memories made during team bonding times are ones that really do last forever. We had a surprise squad competition Scavenger Hunt where our digital cameras came in handy, as we raced around our hotel collecting Argos paraphernalia, shooting videos of fans yelling “Aaaaargoooooos!!,” and staging impromptu photo shoots of three-tier squad pyramids. We also had a competitive Rookie show, where our newest team members treated us to awesome talent displays that ranged from handstand races to an award-winning moonwalk while reciting the alphabet backwards, and a heartfelt and goose bump-inducing rendition of Etta James’ “At Last.” Our 2010 team is comprised of a bunch of ladies whose talents go way beyond just dance!

After a Saturday night filled with introspective girl talk and tons of laughter, we all woke up on Sunday morning to an amazing breakfast. We wrapped up our amazing weekend doing what we love to do most – dancing! This is where our running shoes and workout clothes came in handy, as for our final surprise, our coach brought in an extremely talented guest choreographer to teach us one of the routines that we will be performing for the fans during the 2010 season. The weekend was jam-packed with activities, and we all had an amazing time. I bonded with my new teammates, and got even closer to my fellow returnees! I can’t wait to see what the 2010 season brings! Aaaaaaaaargooooooooos!!!!!!

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JENNA
Argos Cheerleader

The Rookie Perspective

Everything has happened so quickly! From one intense audition after another, I finally received the blue rose.  The moment was surreal. In fact, I began doubting whether my name was called or if I had just imagined it. It wasn’t until the first practice, where an attendance sheet was passed around, that it was confirmed I am now an Argos Cheerleader.

As I approach my final exams, I can’t help to think about all the changes that have recently occurred in my life, but also the myriad of surprises that are to come.  With eyes wide as though it was Christmas morning, I packed my bag and headed to Toronto for the traditional cheerleader boot camp weekend.

As a rookie, the cheerleader boot camp was more than I had ever imagined it to be. The integration of football and company information into the weekend was done in an exciting way. Head Coach Jim Barker’s presentation on football allowed us to participate in drills such as calling out plays, which was very funny at times.  I think we all realized we should stick to cheerleading.

Boot camp is crucial for getting to know my teammates as individuals. The rookie talent show was by far the best memory from the weekend.  We could all be silly, and open up to each other. It was also very interesting to see how unique and talented all the ladies are.  After the rookie show, we all became more comfortable with one another and knew I was a part of something great – the Argos family. It really was a bonding experience with non-stop laughter and constant surprises to keep us on our toes!

Watch video from the Argos Cheerleaders Finals here!

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Tagged as: CFL Cheerleaders, pro cheer fitness, Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders, training