CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Ultimate Cheer Fusion among clubs performing at Harlem Globetrotters game

Sep 19, 2017 | 5:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — When the ever-popular Harlem Globetrotters stop in Medicine Hat on Monday, they won’t be the only ones jumping and flipping their way around the court.

Ultimate Cheer Fusion are among several local cheerleading groups who are putting together the half-time show for the event.

The club, which has been around for the past three years, has been gaining recognition across western Canada following appearances and strong finishes during competitions. While the competitive season does not pick up again until January, the club is working on their routine for Monday’s game.

“We’re going to hammer through it and work really hard,” said Jenna Jelinski, the club’s co-owner, during a recent practice.

“It’s definitely not the same as we would do for a competition, we only have about five practices to work on it, so we’re focusing a lot on our basic skills being strong and clean, but still adding our dance, our jumps, some stunting, some tumbling, everything that cheerleading has to offer, just in a shorter form.”

Jelinski adds the members of the club are excited they get to perform Monday.

Like in previous years, the club is welcoming back returning competitors and some cheerleading rookies. Jelinski is looking towards the senior members of the group to bring some leadership to the club.

Among those older members are Keilee Raby, who is entering her third year of cheerleading.

“I like learning new things, and I like performing at competitions,” she said.

Raby adds she is able to quickly forge strong bonds with the new members of the cheer team.

“It’s pretty easy to make friends on a cheer team, because you do everything together,” she said.

The club is still accepting members. Those interest can contact the club through its website or its Facebook page.