February 2, 2012
Edmonton Eskimos
Victoria’s Blog – Eskimo Cheer Team
I cannot believe how quickly my first season as an Eskimo Cheerleader came and went. It feels like just yesterday that I was eagerly anticipating my first-ever Eskimo audition and now suddenly it’s time for tryouts again.
I still remember that excited and nervous feeling I felt in my stomach for weeks, wondering if I would get a spot on the 2011 Cheer Team, a position I’d coveted for a long time. I also remember that ecstatic feeling of looking up at the final auditions list and seeing my name on it. I couldn’t believe that I’d made it and I will always remember how thrilled I was to realize that I was going to be a part of the Cheer Team for the 2011 season. And what a season it was!
Being on the team was everything I’d ever imagined it would be and so much more. The first time I was out on the field is when it finally became real. I was so enthralled by the experience that I didn’t even have time to feel nervous, just completely elated at getting to be a part of it all.
Following my first game was an incredible season of more games, community events, a calendar photo shoot, a trip to an intensive training camp in Las Vegas and lastly the opportunity to go to the 2011 Grey Cup in Vancouver. I loved every minute of it. Another amazing part of being on the team was the sense of family and community that developed among us. The 2011 season is something that I will never forget and I can’t wait to audition again!
It was so exciting having over 100 hopefuls come out to our information session held on January 23rd. It was amazing to have such a great turnout and to see how many people want to be a part of the Cheer Team for the 100th Grey Cup. I am looking forward to seeing all of the new talent as the audition process begins.
There are no guaranteed spots on the team and the veterans all have to try out again, so the audition process can be just as exciting and nerve-wracking for us. To prepare for the auditions, myself and many other veterans have continued to train during the off-season because fitness is so imperative to being able to perform for a whole game.
Tonight I am looking forward to attending a dance technique class from 8:00-9:00pm that is offered at Perfect Storm Athletics for $10 for all returning members and dance team hopefuls. For those who are looking to get even more training in, there is also a stunt workshop offered on February 6th and a dance workshop on February 13th followed by the final auditions taking place at the end of February until the beginning of March.
The 2012 season is fast approaching and I just can’t wait for it all to start again! Hope to see you at tryouts!
-Victoria