Former UT cheerleaders offer local classes

By JAMES CLARK

Left: Stacey Cravens, left, and Lee Rogers, both former UT-Knoxville cheerleaders, are teaching classes at McMinnville Civic Center. Right: Stacey Cravens performs a cheerleading stunt at Neyland Stadium.

If you know a young lady who would like to get a few pointers from two women who have reached the pinnacle of cheerleading, you’re in luck. Former UT-Knoxville cheerleaders and Manchester residents Lee Rogers and Stacey Cravens are offering cheer and gymnastic classes at McMinnville Civic Center every Wednesday.
‘Since we have the background, we know what judges are looking for and what cheerleading coaches are looking for,’ said Lee. ‘We start working with ages 5 and up. You can start out as a beginner even if you’re in high school.’
Stacey and Lee teach at Tennessee Cheerleading and Gymnastics in Manchester and work with local girls both at that facility and at McMinnville Civic Center. To appreciate what they have to offer, you should hear their credentials.
Both tried out and earned scholarship spots on the cheerleading squad at UT-Knoxville. Only six women and six men make the squad and you have to tryout every year to keep your scholarship.
‘There is no telling how many tryouts we’ve been through,’ said Stacey. ‘Cheering at Knoxville is extremely competitive. We were little college cheerleaders together and now we’re running a business together.’
Since both women have small children, teaching cheer classes is the perfect fit. They can be moms during the day and work in the late afternoon and evening.
In addition to teaching basic cheer and gymnastic skills, the classes make for a good workout. That’s why girls interested in improving their level of fitness might want to attend.
‘It’s a good overall physical fitness class and there are a lot of kids today who aren’t getting enough exercise’ said Lee. ‘It can help with your running, jumping, skipping and motor skills.’
Added Stacey, ‘You don’t have to have a cheerleader body. Gymnastics can help in so many ways because it’s a well-balanced sport.’
Tennessee Cheerleading and Gymnastics currently has spots available. Call (931) 723-4052 for more information.