WATSONVILLE — On a cloudy Tuesday evening recently, about 40 girls, their parents and six cheerleading coaches gathered on the front lawn at Linscott Charter School. Not deterred by the slight chill in the air, they began warming up with stretches, running laps and practicing kicks.
This All-Star Prep Cheer team, named the Santa Cruz County Tritons, was established two years ago. Since then they have grown by word of mouth as well as by reputation — this year, their junior team won first place at a national competition that took place at Disney’s California Adventure.
But they are still looking for a permanent place to practice.
“It’s not so bad during the summer months,” said president and coach Nickey Dillard. “But once the sun starts going down earlier, and it gets colder, things get a bit more complicated.”
Dillard also mentioned how they’ve had a couple of scares with outsiders lurking around the school grounds, and how they have to run across the street to Watsonville High School in groups to use the bathroom.
“Of course we are extremely grateful to Linscott for giving us this space,” Dillard said. “But we’d definitely prefer an indoor space that is a bit more private and permanent.”
The Santa Cruz County Tritons are made up of girls from age 6 to 16. While they are from all over Santa Cruz County, most are Pajaro Valley residents.
Coach and treasurer Deangela Leon explained how exciting it was to start a group in Watsonville that was exclusively for cheerleading.
“It’s nice to be able to focus on the cheerleading, and not just be on the sidelines at football games,” Leon said. “Seeing these girls perform and compete for themselves is really great.”
Since the Santa Cruz County Tritons are a nonprofit, they are working year-round to fundraise and become active within the community. Just this year, they’ve constructed a mermaid-themed float for the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade, sold fireworks from their own booth and held fundraisers at a few local restaurants.
Perhaps because of this, they are consistently bringing in new team members. And according to Leon they have never turned any girl away from the team.
“We know not every girl’s family is financially stable enough to afford all the fees,” she said. “So we’ve done our best to help in that way. We want every girl to be able to join if they want to.”
While executing a series of challenging lifts at their recent practice, the Santa Cruz County Tritons seemed to be both intently focused and excited.
“That’s why cheerleading is such a great activity,” Dillard said. “It teaches kids discipline and hard work, but is also so positive and fun to do.”
To contact the Santa Cruz County Tritons about practice spaces, joining the team or other information, call 539-9791 or visit their Facebook page.
