BEC junior cheerleaders to host regional competition Tuesday

 
The Breton Education Centre Bears junior high cheerleading team will host this year's regional competition at the BEC gym on Tuesday. Photo by Jeremy Fraser - New Waterford Community Press.

BEC junior cheerleaders to host regional competition Tuesday

By Jeremy Fraser
April 2, 2015

Abbie Hurley has been cheerleading for three years, but come next week she will perform in the most important cheerleading competition of the year.

For the first time in five years, the BEC junior high cheerleading team will host this year's regional competition at the Breton Education Centre gym on Tuesday.

There are a lot of good teams participating, said Hurley.

"I'm confident in my team. It should be a good competition."

Eryn Butts, who shares the team's coaching duties with Ashley Webber, said the most important thing is for the girls to love what they do.

"We want them to have fun out there."

In order to have success at the competition, the Bears will need to have confidence in themselves, said Hurley.

"We need to stick together as a team and perform to the best of our ability."

Joining the Bears in the competition are Oceanview Education Centre of Glace Bay, Malcolm Munroe Memorial Junior High School of Sydney, Sherwood Park Education Centre of Sydney and Whitney Pier Memorial Junior High School.

Hurley said the team hopes to end the season on a high note.

"It's been a really good season. We've had ups and downs, but we are ready for the competition."

Butts wants the team to show sportsmanship during the event.

"We want them to stick to the routine and have creativity."

In March, the Bears were given the Susan Deruelle Sportsmanship and Spirit award during a competition at Sherwood Park Education Centre. The award is in memory of Susan Marsh-Deruelle, who was involved in cheerleading at BEC, who passed away in January of 2014.

Winning the award was special for the club, said Hurley, the team captain.

"It means a lot to win the award. Susan was a close friend to the team."

During the competition, there will be special performances by cheerleading clubs Premier Power Cheer and Cape Power cheerleading.

Doors open for the event at 6 p.m., while the competition is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The cost for entrance is $5 per person while children under five attend for free.