Cheersport Day 2

Sunday Gabi competed at 9 pm.  On Saturday we heard about a team called Rock Solid that actually was a team of all level 5 girls, except like 4 (the minimum you needed to be a level 4).  They did this to try and receive their Summit bid and you could tell.  When they came out with girls looking all at least 16 years old and older, we knew this would be tough to beat.  They proved this by being at the top on Day 1.  Our girls were ready though.  We had been dinged a bit on our jumps and the girls definitely did much better on Day 2, but didn't do so well with tumbling.  Still, no deductions on Day 2!!!!  Ben and I watched the competition and Ben was set with the idea that we had stayed right at #5.  Tough competition.  But, being the biggest National tournament, top 5 is definitely something to be proud of!  Ben was right.  We were awarded the #5 spot.  We couldn't have been more proud of Gabi.  And as you can see below...she was very proud to have us there to support her as well!

Cheersport Day 1

Talk about HUGE!!!  Cheersport was HUGE and exciting!  Luckily we were able to go over to the Convention Center on Friday evening to get our tickets and pick up some shirts for Gabi before they sold out of her size.  They had a practice while we did that. 
Day 1 was Saturday at 9:45 pm to be exact for Ice Eclipse.  They hit pretty much perfect!!!!  In fact, the best they've done thus far (out of Darlene's (ICE owner) mouth to Andrew(coach))!!!

We were not surprised, however, with the amount of talent there and having 17 other teams in our division, that we were placed at 5th at the end of the day.  But with Day 1 being only 25% of the total scores, we knew Sunday would have to be BIG. 

Seeing Atlanta

We were able to go into the heart of Georgia and actually visit in Atlanta this past weekend for Cheersport Nationals...the biggest Cheer Competition in the Nation.  With over 1100 teams, it was sure to be HUGE!!!  We arrived after an ice storm (Thursday afternoon)...in fact, everywhere we have competed thus far, we have followed lovely snow or ice storms, so it was par for the course.  The good thing was it would warm up to the 50's near 60 after we arrived.  The best part, though, NO SNOW!!!! Since Gabi wouldn't compete until 9 pm both evenings we had plenty of down time.  Gabi did homework and we also did some shopping in the city.  Gabi was most impressed with a Chipotle in their mall!!  :) 

 

The girls and coaches actually were able to have a team dinner complete with pasta and salad on Friday evening and to celebrate Valentine's Day.  They loved getting dressed up.

Saturday morning we decided to head over to the Atlanta Aquarium since we heard many good things about it.  We had a great time!  The dolphin show was fun and loved seeing the whale shark, beluga whales and the manta rays.  A good little get away from it all and see Atlanta time.

 



GLCC Schaumburg

We couldn't have been more proud and more excited after Day 1 in Schaumburg at the GLCC Cheer Competition!  If you look below you will see the standings after that Day and Ice Eclipse is on top.  By a very narrow margin, but they were in FIRST place and we were excited!!! 

Trenton actually made it to the Convention Center seconds before Gabi got on stage so he was able to watch and support her!  The girls hit GREAT!!!!!  HUGS all around after the performance!

Since Gabi performed in the afternoon we were able to take Trenton to dinner at a place we haven't been to since we lived in Norfolk!  Fuddruckers!  That was a fun place that brought back memories!

Gabi had to be at the Convention Center by 11 am on Sunday and perform at 12:23 pm.  She was nervous but loving her curls and the fact they didn't have to do a poof in the front this time.  She was ready to go!  We actually found out that out of 23 Ice Teams there this weekend, 17 were in the top three after Day 1!  That's exciting!  And a great statement!  I caught a tradition of the Eclipse girls too...Cassidy putting sprinkles in everyones shoes.  They do this every competition. 

Trenton and his girlfriend, Alex made it to Day 2 also.  They even brought Gabi flowers!! 

The girls did great up until the pyramid and Gabi's flyer took a fall.  It was the only mistake from what we saw, but we were desperately worried with how close the top three were after Day 1. 

Needless to say, awards were nerve wracking.  We watched the competition after Ice went and Ben and I thought Ice still had a good chance of taking home first place.  Unfortunately, we were wrong.  Ice Eclipse placed 2nd again.  Gabi was disappointed and sad.  She wanted that win.  Bad.  I guess we have to chalk it up as a lesson learned and work hard to get first place at the next competition...and it's a biggie!  Cheersport Atlanta!  I think once the girls get back into the gym to practice they will get that fire burning to get first.  They will work harder than ever!  Regardless of the outcome this weekend, we loved watching Gabi in her element.  You can see it all over her face as she is performing.  Love that she is able to do this.  And as you can see by her Instagram posting...she loves her crowd to support her.  So glad the boys have been able to come and watch/support her.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a video of Day 2...it ended up blurry....:(