| CHEERLEADING TOPCATS BLUE AND SILVER COMPETITION CHEER SQUADS BOTH TAKE SECOND AT COA COMPETITION! |
WAY TO GO TOPCATS!!! READ COACH ANDREA'S INTERVIEW BELOW!! KEEP CHECKING IN FOR MORE COVERAGE e-mail us your stories to dennis@cayouthsports.com |
My name is Andrea Rinker.
What inspired you to become a coach? I was a cheerleader for 4 years
in Pop Warner, and wanted to help out little kids who didn't know what
cheerleading was about. I wanted to show others what kind of confidence
the sport of cheerleading can give.
What coach, or coaches were instrumental in you becoming a coach? Most definitely my
sister. She started cheerleading at around the same age I did, and she
became a coach when she was only 12. She then went on to coach me in 3
of the 4 years that I was involved, and we actually co-coached one
year. She taught me everything!
Tell us about a mentor, or mentors you had as a child. Like I said, my sister was a
mentor, as well as the various cheer coordinators and cheer moms who
I've had the pleasure of working with who have supported me no matter
what. The first year I cheered, the football coach was Coach Blackamore,
and the 2nd year I coached, he was also the football coach, so we were
able to have a strong bond between the football and cheer teams, which
was somewhat uncommon back then. Cheerleading and football were
completely separate, so it was inspiring to know that someone appreciated the
role of a cheerleader.
What sports did you participate in as a child? How long did you play? What success did you have in the sport?
I started cheering
when I was 10 years old, and participated for 4 years. The first year my
team tied for 2nd place, the second year my team placed 3rd, the third
year my team placed 2nd and was invited to the Pop Warner Regional
Competition in Arizona, and the fourth year my team placed third and was
invited again to the Regional Competition. I have had a bit more success
as a coach! :)
What are your favorite memories of childhood sports? Making life-long
friends and gaining the confidence that I have today. The night before
competition was always fun... The whole team would get together and we
would put our hair in rollers and eat pizza! One of my favorite
memories was when my team was in Arizona, and we were all sitting in a circle
with candles, and one by one, we went around the circle and chose
someone to talk about, and speak about their strengths and why that person
loved them. I was a backspotter in a stunt group, and I always admired
my flyer because she was such a nice person and had such a good heart,
and I was so surprised when she chose me out of the whole team to talk
about. She thanked me for catching her every time and for not letting
her fall, and that really meant alot to me.
What are some of your goals as a coach? Building and molding the character of the
individuals I work with, creating leadership qualities within them, and
to help them build confidence within themselves. I also make sure I
have a squad that looks professional and presentable all the time, and is
respectful to everyone.
Do you coach your own child or children? What are some of the challenges if you do? I do not have
any children, and I can't imagine coaching my own. I think it would be
way too hard!
What do you enjoy most about coaching? Watching the kids grow through the
program and grow up to be responsible, productive members of society. I
also enjoy being able to be a role model for the young girls that come
through my teams.