SJ Orgs: Victory Cheer and Tumble

The Victory Cheer and Tumble Center was established in May of 2001 in Seaville, NJ. The full-service facility serves South Jersey youth interested in promoting physical activity through competitive cheerleading. Founded by Karen Brenner and Carol Schultheis, the center provides the large population of talented cheerleaders in South Jersey with a place to learn, grow, and gain positive self-esteem.

Victory All Stars is made up of seven different teams, encompassing different age groups and experience levels. The Snaps are the youngest team, including children who are in pre-K though 2nd grade. This preparation team provides an introduction to competitive cheerleading, preparing students for the Sparklers Youth Team. The Sparklers Team is for students in grades 2 through 4. These students are not required to tumble; however, they will compete in the All-Star youth division competition. Team Dynamite is for members in 6th grade and younger. The team is great for beginners and has a shorter competition schedule and no tumbling. The Firecrackers are the 6th grade and under division that are highly competitive and prefer tumbling experience. The Bottle Rockets are the 9th grade and under division that must be experienced in all facets of cheerleading, including dance, stunts, and jumps. For example, a standing back handspring is a requirement. The Skylights are the 11th grade and under division that are highly competitive and prefer tumbling experience. The Starbursts are the Senior All Star 12th grade and under division where members must have the same experience as the Bottle Rockets.

Victory instructors have several years of competitive cheerleading experience and accomplishments. Victory also has a reputation for training some of the best cheerleaders, who often go on to win state and national competitions. Head coach Karen Brenner was the former coach of Upper Township Cheerleading Association for 15 years and taught camps on a local and national level. Karen is also USAIGC and NYSCA certified. Head coach Carol Schultheis is a nationally-ranked baton twirler and is a NYSCA-certified veteran coach.

In March 2002, Victory broke ground on their new facility, and have been making continuous improvements. The center, located at 118 Route 50 in Seaville, will be a state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot center including two regulation cheer floor mat areas, a tumble track and strip, an observation room, a pro shop, and a gym, which is expected to be operational by Spring 2003. The new center will provide a better training facility for students and increase their athleticism for competition. The center is specifically designed to allow cheer and tumbling classes to run safely and efficiently.

The Victory All Stars work hard to achieve their championship status. The squads took National Champions for Junior, Senior prep and small senior divisions at the Cheer Tech Nationals in Wildwood, March 8th and 9th. Junior prep took 2nd place and Junior prep novice took 3rd place even though they’ve only been a team for two months.

Also in March, the squads traveled to Cheer Ltd.’s CANAM nationals in Myrtle Beach. Youth, Junior Senior prep, and Small Senior swept the national championship, and the Bottle Rockets achieved Grand Champion status, attaining the highest score of all the teams in the division.

Each month, Victory All Stars chooses ‘Superstars’--recognizing individuals for their outstanding athletic achievement and dedication to the sport. The current superstars are:
Team Dynamite - Nicole S, Courtney M, Ashley V
Firecrackers - Kristin F, Lauren C
Bottle Rockets - Lucy K, Gabby A
Skylights - Carmen R, Brittney G
Starbursts - Courtney S, Lauryn J

Victory All Stars depends on the help of parents to help fundraise the opportunities for their children to attend competitions. The Booster Club is a non-profit organization for parents whose children are selected for one of the teams. The fundraisers can help offset the costs parents incur for expensive uniforms and travel costs. Fundraisers can include product or service (such as dances or other events.) All monies earned are credited to the cheerleaders’ individual accounts and can be withdrawn and applied towards costs by completing a form from Victory. Parent volunteers are encouraged and extremely appreciated by the organization.

If your child is interested in joining Victory All Stars, tryouts are held in late spring and practices begin in late June after all teams have been chosen. Clinics and camps are also available throughout the summer for students to refine their cheer and tumbling techniques. Contact the center at (609) 390-7773, victorycheergym@aol.com, or visit their website at victoryallstars.com for more information.

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Author: Melissa Samuelson