THEY ARE PART of nearly every high school sporting event, and they do just about anything it takes to get the crowd rowdy.
The varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at Liberty High School have spent a good part of the summer preparing for the fall season. They have given countless hours to creating and rehearsing their intricate routines.
The 17-member varsity and the 16-member junior varsity squads recently attended an annual camp sponsored by the National Cheerleading Association. Held at Western Maryland College, the camp drew squads from Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The girls worked to perfect their dance, tumbling and gymnastic skills, integral parts of today's cheerleading styles. Gone are the days of just pom-poms and megaphones.
"Cheerleading involves a great deal of tumbling and gymnastic ability," said Heather Brown, the varsity squad coach. "The girls really have to be quite athletic."
Brown was a cheerleader at Liberty High before going on to cheer at Western Maryland College. She later cheered for the Baltimore Spirit and the Baltimore Thunder. Junior varsity coach Robina Shaw also cheered for the Spirit.
Thanks to their excellent performance at camp, the varsity squad won a bid to attend the National Championship Competition in Dallas in late September. The event will be televised.
In addition to practicing and creating even better routines, the girls are looking into some serious fund-raising campaigns to pay their way to Dallas.
Ice cream social
The Nature Center at Piney Run Park has planned an event to show their appreciation to dedicated members.
Members are invited to attend a free ice cream social at 6: 30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Pavilion No. 3. Make-your-own sundaes will be featured, and pontoon tours of the lake will be given.
Those planning to attend must register by Aug. 12.
Information: 410-795-6043.
Music in the Park
Glass Hammer will entertain listeners at a free concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Sykesville's Cooper Park.
The Maryland band is known for its harmonious rhythms and distinctive vocals.
The group will present a blend of light rock, mellow blues and original works.
Information: 410-795-8959.
Sherry Graham's Southeast neighborhood column appears each Tuesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.
Pub Date: 8/05/97
