Matrix cheerleading seeing competition success

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Matrix Cheer team has experienced tremendous results from their Platinum, Shimmer, Sparkle and Glitter groups, which placed in the Top 5 over a dozen times in competition this season, most recently at the Stampede City Showdown in Calgary on March 12.
Matrix head coach Cassi Weiss said much of the success was a result of the growth in the sport in Strathmore after seeing a strong turnout to tryouts.
In turn, the teams increased from two to four and more coaches were brought on board.
She added that with the great response this year, people are now starting to understand that cheer is a full-fledged sport and there is the need for all body types with different capability levels to make a cohesive team.
“They definitely put in work,” said Weiss. “They train hard but they also play hard too. All of our teams are like a family. We’ve been pulling extra practices.
“When we’re in it, it doesn’t feel like work, everybody loves what they’re doing. We’ve seen a lot of growth in our athletes this year because everyone’s committed.”
The areas that the team has improved upon has been their tumbling and stunting ability, while becoming more detailed in what they bring to the table in their routines.
She mentioned that coaches were constantly educating themselves by going to clinics, and conference to invest in their skills to pass on to the athletes so they can shine through on education and knowledge.
“You have to stay humble,” said Weiss. “You have to remember that on any given day anything can happen. When you have a team of 15 athletes, every single one of them has to be on that day and have to rely on each other and stay calm and collected.”
On another note, Jumphouse Gymnastics will be hosting a new set of programs beginning on April 4.
For more information you can contact Jumphouse Gymnastics at 403-934-4900.