04-25-03sports4

Local gymnasts go for gold in Orlando

Sharylyn Long and Caitlyn Mahon of Ojai are part of the all-star cheerleading team, Club Cheer Twisters, of Ventura. This junior all-star team, which consists of girls from elementary school age to ninth grade, began their competition season last November by winning first place at Raging Waters.

Since then they have been competing all over California and Nevada, most recently in Anaheim at the USA Nationals Cheer and Dance event. The team will end their winning season with a trip to Orlando, Fla. for the Cheerleaders of America National Championship on Easter weekend.

Mahon is enjoying her first year with Twisters trying out and making the team with only one year's experience on a local cheerleading squad, the Ojai Eagles. Learning to tumble in only a few short months, she has proven herself a worthy competitor. Since she began the all star team, she has mastered her tumbling skills, showing great determination and commitment.

Long is a third-year veteran of the Twisters and had the opportunity this year to compete against other cheerleaders in an individual category. Also getting her start with Ojai Eagles, Long has done well, bringing home several trophies, including a first place from Cheerleaders of America in Las Vegas, and second place from America's Best National Championship in Pasadena. She is especially excited about competing with the team, as well as individually, this weekend in Florida.

In order to compete in this national competition in Orlando, the Twisters had to first qualify at a local regional competition in San Diego County where they also took first place. After the nationals, this season will be complete.

The tryout clinic for all ages for next season will be held at Gold Coast Gymnastics April 29 and May 1.

The Twisters will be having many squads this year for all ages and all levels of experience.

For more information call 656-2825.

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