Greater Buffalo Cheer Elite places first in local competition

Greater Buffalo Gymnastics & Fitness Center's competitive cheerleading team, the Greater Buffalo Cheer Elite, recently had its all-star teams place first in each of their divisions at a competition hosted by Cheer Central at Lockport High School.

The 11-and-under stunt group comprising Ashley Dernbach, Molly Hoppel (Clarence Center), Allie Sauers and Erica Chiodo received the highest numerical score in the entire stunt competition, which included five high school varsity and senior all-star stunt teams. The all-star stunt groups, comprising four cheerleaders ages 10 to 13, performed a one-minute, ten-second stunt routine, which consisted of twists, tosses and single leg extended stunts performed to precision and synchronized to music.

Greater Buffalo Cheer Elite placed first in the 11-and-under and 14-and-under categories made up of Josh Hughes, Katie Neffke, Ashley Smith and Maria Sweeney (East Amherst). Greater Buffalo Cheer Elite will be competing in the 2007 Chautauqua County Cheer and Dance Championship in the upcoming month.

An all-star cheerleading program for age levels 6 to 18 has also been added. A strong emphasis will be placed on developing an exceptional cheer program, including the newest stunts, dances and cheers, as well as stressing safety techniques and developing each individual athlete to reach their fullest potential.

Tryouts will be held in early May. Tryout preparation classes focusing on dance will take place on April 15 and on cheer and stunts on April 25.

For more information, call 639-0020.