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Demonstrating School Spirit

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 15, 2007

RUSKIN - At the beginning of the school year, her first at Lennard High School, sophomore Caitlyn Wilson sometimes found it difficult to balance school and sports.

"At the start of the semester, we'd have practice every day from about 3:30 to 6:30 at night, so I wouldn't get home until pretty late," said Wilson, a Riverview resident. "You just have to prioritize and remember that you're here to go to school first."

Although her workload as a member of the varsity cheerleading squad has lightened since then, Wilson, 16, has remained an active and crucial member of the team.

"It's been tough at times for the team, but Caitlyn is someone who is dependable and has a good attitude," said Takia McClendon, head coach. "She consistently comes to practice, and when she's there she uplifts everyone else."

Despite the fact that Wilson has been cheering since she was 4, this is her first year participating at the high school level. Last year, she attended Newsome High School and was a member of the color guard.

"I enjoy it because there's a lot of team-building involved," Wilson said.

Cheerleading is something of a family tradition.

"My aunt is a cheerleader, and my mom teaches cheerleading for the Pop Warner league in FishHawk," Wilson said. "Sometimes I help out."

"Even my 10-year-old sister, Hannah, is a cheerleader."

With the football season over, Wilson and the varsity cheerleaders will support the basketball teams and prepare for two spring cheerleading competitions.

"I might do it when I go to college," said Wilson, who would like to go to the University of South Florida or University of Florida. "But I realize that cheering is not No. 1."

CAITLYN WILSON

AGE: 16

GRADE: 10th

SCHOOL: Lennard High School

SPORT: Cheerleading

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: To attend either the University of South Florida or the University of Florida

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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