A New Month

 

Apparently, a whole month has gone by since we last wrote an article. So, we’re back again to fill you in on our progress.

In case you don’t know, we are the DMU Saints. De Montfort University’s cheer team. I’m Abbey, and I write these articles as I’m the media secretary for the team. If you missed the full introduction of our team then check out the previous article we wrote. Link below:

https://cheerfromheadtotoe.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/welcome-to-the-first-instalment-of-diary-of-a-university-cheerleader-meet-the-dmu-saints/

 

Progress

 

This past month has been much smoother in terms of the progress we have made as teams. Varsity Game Day Squad got the amazing news that they are able to start training. Originally, it was thought that it would be term 2 before they began after there was flooding in one of the sports halls. However, this was resolved a lot quicker than first thought. The committee has been blown away by the talent in Varsity Squad. It really promises to be an impressive team. There are currently enough people for 7 stunt groups and the team is ever-growing.

 

Coach Fiona hopes that once everyone is on the same page technique-wise with the basics, that the stunts can progress to more complex sequences. The team will focus on stunts and dance only. The great thing about this team is that they are not level-restricted, so boundaries can be pushed wherever. Pyramids are going to be pushed to the max too, check out the pictures below of the squad nailing some higher-level pyramids!

 

Our level 1 team, Scarlet, has progressed in leaps and bounds. Currently, the team has managed to put together around a minute of the routine. The coaches have put a big focus on making Scarlet an elite level 1 squad. Compared to last year, the stunts are bigger, better, and more creative.

 

 

Many members of the team are putting in extra work to try and get the tumbles they need. It feels like every day someone new is getting a kick over or a walkover. It’s really promising to see, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone putting in the time to try and make it work.

Level 1 have currently covered their opening, jumps, and some stunts.

 

Midnight, our level 3 team, is also making major progress within their squad. Many members of this team come from a gymnastics background and so cheerleading is new to them. So, while level 3 tumbles are familiar, the stunting is not. Despite this, the team is doing incredibly well. Beautiful full-ups have been incorporated into the routine, as well as extension libs. The team has also covered their jumps section, which is complex but extremely impressive.

 

Just like within level 1, there are people in level 3 putting in the work to get new tumbles and improve the ones they already have. We’ve seen members get their round-off tuck for the first time, which is insane.

 

 

Basically, the DMU Saints have got their new skills on lockdown so I really feel like this could be a great year for us. The fight and enthusiasm are all there. Some members are training up to 3 times a week putting in the extra work. We’re coming for our titles…

 

Outside of Training

 

Asides from training, payments have been taken in for our brand-new UNIFORM! We’ve got an amazing uniform on the way, as well as training tops.

DMU Sports also challenged us to try the #picnicchallenge that DMU S&C absolutely nailed. So, myself and our Varsity coach, Fiona, decided to give it a go. Check out our best attempt below…

 

 

I mean, it probably needs some work, but its not awful! If you try the challenge, then tag us on Instagram!

We’ve also put more focus on showing support for various movements or charities. In the past few months, we’ve risen awareness for; breast cancer, Show Racism the Red Card, Children In Need, World Mental Health Day…these are all organisations that mean something to us in some way. To see our teams put in the effort for these organisations is heart-warming.

 

Speaking of issues important to our team, the DMU Saints would like to encourage you to vote in the upcoming general election.

 

 

Cheerleader of the Month

 Last year, every month we announced our cheerleaders of the month. We like to select someone from each team, just to emphasise that we recognise the hard work that’s been put in. The committee has discussed it and is happy to announce our first cheerleaders of the month for this season!

 

Varsity Game Day Squad – Monica Mckenzie (you have blown us away with the tumbles you’ve earnt and how strong of a base you are. Congrats on level 3!)

Level 1 Scarlet – Louise Macdonald (we all know how long you’ve worked on your walkovers for, we are all so proud of you for finally getting them!)

Level 3 Midnight – Lucy Lloyd (you got your tuck and flick tuck, and you’ve been an amazing flyer!)

Massive congratulations to you guys that have been named. Thanks for being a part of the DMU Saints 19/20 season.

 

Wrap-Up

 

I feel like that’s you guys all caught up with what’s going on in the world of the DMU Saints…lots of progress and exciting things in the works. If you feel like you want to keep up with us more regularly, then please follow us on the platforms below:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmusaints/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmusaints

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DmuSaintsCheerleadingSquad/

If you enjoyed this article, want to know anything more, or have any tips, feel free to message us on any of the platforms and I’ll get back to you! Or, alternatively, message Cheer From Head To Toe right from this page!

 

Lots of love,

DMU Saints xxx