In a follow-up to my previous post If you are in Business…NEVER hire an Allstar Cheerleader I wanted to discuss a topic that was talked about as the blog was shared. More than a few times the word “Cheerlebrity” came up. It is a fair assertion and a topic that needs to be addressed. It is no secret that there are a few Cheerlebrities out there that represent the sport of Allstar Cheerleading. Just as with any sport there will be a few athletes that shine or are more popular with others.

The word “Cheerlebrity” is one that most of the kids that have adopted the moniker desperately try to lose. Most of the time, they did not ask for the “fake fame”. There are a few that fan the flames and beg for the attention, but that is the exception, not the rule. I guess my point is, for every Cheerlebrity point flyer, there are tens of thousands of team players that want to make lifetime memories with their team and work together to hit that routine. As we teeter dangerously by dangling an unrealistic goal for everyone to be a Cheerlebrity we lose the focus on what makes Allstar cheer so special. The special word I am referring to is”teamwork”.

The Grape Rays = Teamwork

Most will tell you, the only people on a squad that qualify for the term “Cheerlebrity” are the coaches who masterfully coordinate and press for excellence to get the most out their team. What you will find, is that the coaches will then deflect all of the kudos to the kids that make up that team. The infinite circle that defines greatness is an unbreakable force of love and culture that exudes when a team gels and accomplishes incredible things together. When that happens, the memories created on that team are unbreakable. I guarantee if you ask a Summit Champion or World Champion AllStar how many Instagram or Twitter followers a teammate had 5 years after they won, they will not know or care.

In any sport there are some that are more popular than others. We know them well. Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant numerous NFL, MLB superstars and don’t get me started on College Football. The point is, the athletes are nothing without a supporting cast around them.

For those who snub their nose at the Cheerlebrity, remember they are people too. Be the bigger person and respect the effort they put into the sport, they deserve it. Most use the title to do good and are role models for our children whether we like it or not. Take the time to explain the life lesson to those around you and build a culture of positivity.

Below is a response to one of the comments from my previous blog post. I think it applies here.

In the business world, we have another word for Cheerlebrities they are sometimes called CEO’s sometimes Managers, sometimes they actually fit into the rank and file. Whatever happens, it’s all ok. Hopefully, they turn into leaders or contributors of some sort. The important thing is to take the attributes of what they do on the mats and be productive in their lives moving forward. Thank you for you contribution to the conversation. I agree, not everything is peaches and cream.  ~ Eric Moran

At the end of the day, the people that matter most in your life will be the ones that help create life long memories. Think about it, QUICK, name the last World Champions in the Large All Girl senior 5 division. Can you do it? Did you have to Google it? How about Large Coed? Senior Medium? Senior Small Coed? (Ok, that one may be easy) but you get my point!

Now, I challenge you to remember your favorite teacher from grade school. Who was your best friend growing up in your neighborhood? Who is your favorite cheer coach? Who is the friend that helped you through one of your most challenging moments in your life? I am assuming you can rattle them off immediately.

The most important people in your life are the ones you surround yourself with day in and day out. They are the ones who will be in your wedding. They will be the ones who you grow up with and share special memories with. They are your crew, not the people on an iPhone screen half way across the US.

                                  The 2014-2015 Peppermint Rays making lifetime memories

The more we as a community push the issue of  “Unless you become a “Cheerlebrity”… you are Worthless…” we create a dangerous culture for Allstar Cheer. Be the teammate that leaves a positive culture for those to flourish behind you. Leave the legacy you want others to follow!  Make sure you are easily memorable for those in your circle for years to come.