Exeter's rising Starlites!
Exeter Starlites Elite defended their National Champions title for another year by coming First Place in both Senior Elite and Masters Cheerleading Categories.
Last weekend was a huge success for the Exeter Starlites Elite team. The team attended the UKCA (UK Cheerleading Association) National Championships at the Manchester Velodrome and competed amongst 1500 cheerleaders.
The Senior Exeter Starlites Elite team has an age range from 10 - 21 and their First Place was received with a mix of emotions from maximum joy, shock with an overwhelming disbelief that they came First Place.
The reason behind this was one of the team members had a non related cheer injury just 20 minutes prior to competing. This left the team devastated and worried for their team mate.
Following a brief discussion with the President of UKCA their routine was moved to the end of the day to allow more time to readjust the team and enable their routine to go ahead. Luckily, one of the teams spectators was an Exeter Starlite member who left to attend university.
Megan Lambert saved the day and stepped in at the very last minute. Megan learnt the stunts and routine in just three hours.
Head Coach, Jennie-marie Packham said she couldn't be any prouder of her teamadding: "The team really pulled together, we had to change the routine at the very last minute, Megan Lambert stepped in (what a star!). But in the face of such adversity we actually won! I'm amazed at the strength and determination of this team and so proud of them all. To say it was emotional is an understatement!"
The Exeter Starlites top 5 trophies this year were:
• Exeter Starlites Elite Senior Cheerleading - 1st Place
• Exeter Starlites Masters Cheerleading - 1st Place
• Exeter Starlites Elite Senior Stunt Group - 1st Place
• Exeter Starlites Elite Junior Pom Dance - 2nd Place
• Exeter Starlites Master Pom Dance - 2nd Place
They also received 3rd, 4th and 10th in their Junior Stunt Groups,
The Exeter Starlites was recently taken over independently by Coaching Director Jennie-marie Packham and Secretary Director Sara Hole. Both partners are extremely pleased with the success of the team at the 2015 UKCA Nationals.
Exeter Starlites train on Saturday afternoons at Exeter Gymnastics Club from 3pm. The ages start from Cheer Tot aged 4. The Masters Team for adults train on Thursday evenings at Exeter Gymnastics Club from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Look out for the Exeter Starlites at some up and coming events including Dawlish Arts Festival, Whimple Village Fete, Teignmouth Carnival, Exmouth Carnival and more.
Would you like to be involved with the Exeter Starlites? The team are seeking sponsors and are accepting new team members. For more information or to get in touch with the Exeter Starlites email exeterstarlites@hotmail.co.uk or find them on Facebook.
