During Torrey Pines High School’s football match-up on Aug. 29 against San Pasqual, the home team got an extra boost of energy from some young, up-and-coming cheerleaders.
The Torrey Pines Varsity Cheer team recently hosted a Junior Falcon Cheer Clinic on Aug. 27-29, capped with on-the-field experience with the varsity cheer squad. Coach Suzy Chodorow, now in her 26th year of coaching at Torrey Pines, said they were excited to bring back this pre-pandemic tradition, as clinics like this used to be hosted all the time before the Torrey Pines Pop Warner Cheer program disbanded.
The clinic had a total of 52 participants ranging in age from three to 13 years old. The girls were able to learn a short routine and get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the TP Cheer program, learning tumbling, stunting and dancing.
“One of our 2010 alumni cheerleaders brought her 3-year-old daughter to the clinic. It was a full circle moment,” said Chodorow. “Three TPHS faculty members brought their own daughters to participate. We had fun during the 2-day clinic, which ended with our big halftime performance under the Friday Night Lights! We hope to carry on this tradition for many years to come!”
The junior cheerleaders got to participate in player intros for the football team and run through the big Falcon head inflatable with their Big Buddies during Friday night’s game.
By far the highlight of the night was the half-time show performed by the kids alongside the varsity cheer team. According to TP Cheer Parent Liaison Mia Rubin, “the energy, smiles, and spirit from our young participants made the event such a success. The best part was seeing their faces light up as they mastered new skills and cheered alongside our team.”
For more information on the program and future clinics, follow along on Instagram @TPHSCheer.