Pee-Wee gymnasts win national championship

PROUD PEEWEES-Elite Cheer All-Star Pee-Wees proudly display their National Championship banner, medals and trophies. Coach Carolyn Purkey is surrounded by her team. It only took 2 minutes and 15 seconds for 10 girls with pigtails and bows to cheer, tumble, dance and stunt their way to a National Championship title last month in Irvine.

The Mini Prep squad or "Pee-Wees," as they are known at their Monarch's National Gymnastic training facility in Newbury Park, is in its first year. The squad is led by Coach Carolyn Ann Purkey.

The Mini Prep squad ranges in age from 4 to 7 years old. This is the first year for all 10 members of the squad.

The Elite Cheer All-Star team consists of 55 cheerleaders ranging in ages 4 to 18 on three squads: Mini Prep, Junior Prep and Senior.

Teams train year round to learn new skills, build teamwork and increase routine difficulty. Purkey emphasizes safety, commitment and teamwork at all levels.

Elite Cheer is completing its fourth season and has consistently earned bids for national championship competitions with superior ratings. Elite Cheer AllStars earned national championship titles for each of the past two seasons.

Most recently, Elite Cheer was selected as squad of the month by American Cheerleader magazine. Teams were interviewed and photographed at a national championship competition and at a practice in Newbury Park.

Elite Cheer also will participate again in the Thousand Oaks Conejo Valley Days Parade. While riding in a vintage automobile, they hope to repeat their win in the parade's "Youth Entry" category.

For more information on Elite Cheer All-Stars and upcoming t r y o u t s , c a l l the Monarch's National Gymnastics Training Center at (805) 375-4663 or visit www.elitecheerallstars.com.