Cheerleading at Anthony Wayne is a demanding activity. Or is it a demanding sport?
Either way, the expectations placed upon the squad are stringent. "I always tell parents and kids, if we want to be treated like a sport we do need to act like one," adviser Michelle Kron-
mann said. "The same rules apply."
That means practicing four days a week and then performing on game day. That means preparing tirelessly for competitions of their own. To miss a practice for any reason not related to a family emergency or a religious obligation is termed unacceptable. An after-school job? Better make it an after-practice job.
For their sacrifices, the Generals have achieved tremendous success, winning eight straight Division I state championships, the most this month in Pickerington, Ohio, about 15 miles southeast of Columbus.
Six advisers - three of them head advisers - have guided the program during this run of dominance.
Kronmann, a former AW cheerleader who graduated in 2000, is stepping away from the position, although she may remain on staff in an undetermined role. Another former Generals' cheerleader, Mariah Plymale, is an assistant.
"The girls, we treat it like a business," Kronmann said. "We show up, we get stuff done, we strive to do better, and then we leave."
This month's state title was in the Mount division, reserved for teams willing to pull off risky techniques such as building a pyramid with their athletes. AW advanced to the six-team state meet by winning a regional in its own gym.
Laura Eubanks and Kristi Borcherdt were the program's advisers when AW began this eight-year state championship run. Then Jamie Pfefferle and Jackie Smith took over before Kronmann succeeded them three years ago.
Two days a week, the Generals train in Waterville at the Ohio Cheer Academy, which is owned by Pfefferle and Smith.
"[The success] happens with a ton of support and help in many areas," Kronmann said. "I can't take credit for it. I always take it back to the kids. It's the athletes we have here at Anthony Wayne. Parents are another area of huge support, as is the district and the administration."
Contact Ryan Autullo at:
rautullo@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.
First Published March 31, 2010, 2:36 p.m.
