Grande Prairie was well represented at this year’s Alberta Cheerleading Association Awards on September 22. Adrenaline Athletics and the Gymniks All-Stars had nine award nominations between the two of them. Adrenaline received eight of those nominations. Owner Jennifer Lekisch says she was shocked to have been recognized so many times.
“We were definitely surprised at the amount of nominations. We did not see that coming so obviously we’re so incredibly humbled by the amount of recognition.”
Adrenaline first opened its doors in July 2017. By the end of the banquet, the first year club brought home awards for Sportsmanship of the Year, Supporting School and Community Spirit and First time coach Sydney Allison was named Novice Coach Of The Year. Lekisch says there’s no one who deserved to win more than Allison.
“There’s a lot of things that you can teach a coach as far as technical work and skills but you definitely can never teach them that it factor…Sydney absolutely encompasses that. She is that it factor.”
The Gymniks All-Stars were also at the awards. They won the award for team sportsmanship. Coaches Lindsay Morrison, Sam Meikle and Chelsea O’Brien say they were thrilled and honoured to receive that award.
“We owe this award to all of our amazing athletes and parents who continuously exude togetherness, support and encouragement to all of our cheer community on and off the mat. We are so grateful to have such a supportive, passionate and committed cheer family that continues to represent Grande Prairie in such a positive light.”
Both teams say they are looking forward to a new cheerleading season and hope to bring home more awards in the future.
