Explosive year for cheer team

The Liberty Dynamites Cheer team led a successful season right to their last cheer this past weekend.
Their last performance was at the Motor City Showdown Grand Nationals at Birch Run Expo Center. The team took fourth place.
‘They did a great job and were very happy with their performance,? said Nancy Walters, Dynamites coach and Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy program director.
‘The girls felt they got the place they deserved and left very happy with the day, but sad the season was over.?
The season began for the girls last fall. They are a travel cheer team that only performs at competitions, in the Small Senior Level 2 division.
Their home is Star and Stripes Gymnastics Academy in Clarkston, where they practice and train.
They took third place behind Elite Cheer and MIX at the Jamfest competition in November.
‘Each of these wins has been very exciting, ? Walters said.
‘Especially since with the first win, we beat Elite Cheer for the first time and with the third one, which was Jam LIVE!, we beat MIX. These are both good teams with 20 members (one of which had males), from well-established gyms, while our program is relatively new.?
The Liberty Cheer Dynamites have won all of their competitions, including two national titles.
The Dynamites team has 12 members, all girls, putting them at a disadvantage when building pyramids, but they continue to score well at competitions, she said.
The Dynamites attended the Contest of Champions Nationals in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 24.
The competition had them defending their national title, which they did by taking first place.
Stars and Stripes also has a youth team called Firestorm for girls ages 11 and under, and Sparklers, which is a Mini team for those 8 and under.
A new season will begin next month. The gym hosts an open call team selection on April 19-20.
No experience is required; just a great work ethic, Walters said.
Girls must register by April 18.
For more information, call the gym at 248-625-3550 or email Walters at nancy@starsand stripeskids.com.