We’re Here, We’re Cheer. Get Used To It

What’s your gym routine? Jerks? Dead lifts? Squats? How many of you can say you throw and catch 50kg for two hours every day?

Well, that’s the case for the Exeter Emeralds stunt groups as they continue their bid to become European Champions. Beginning with one level three stunt group last term and coming fourth in their first competition of the year, the girls have upped their game, training additional hours and creating a second competitive stunt group with another flyer.

(L-R) Beth Lodge, Jessica Johnson, Kayleigh Pearsall, Ashley Wisdom, Ella Davis, Alicia Wedderburn-Graham

18 hour training weeks are now the norm as they compete in level three and four stunt, along with cheer and dance categories. With four out of the six girls basing both routines, rest was for the weak, so these girls put hours into changing the routine and creating the new one.

Armed with a sense of determination that couldn’t be beaten, they attended regionals in February with only one acceptable outcome in mind. Both stunt groups dominated the competition and came away with two first place trophies, making them the most successful stunt group in Emeralds’ history and beating close rivals Portsmouth and Bath University.

Despite being plagued with injured bones, tendons and joints, rest was the furthest thing from their mind and the girls were back in St Lukes’ gym within days modifying the routines yet again, preparing for University nationals which take place this Easter weekend.

A brief hiatus allowed one of the girls to travel to America and become an international champion with the British Cheerleading Association. Now she is back, the girls have been training for two hours every day and are hoping to not only become University champions this weekend, but also to secure a bid which will take them to the European Championships in June.

So wish the girls luck and remember not to make assumptions about them in the gym- they probably bench more than you!