Spirit Zone General Info

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Monday, 03 May 2010 15:51

Spirit Zone General Info

Written by Jason Burroughs

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The dream all began in 1999 when Robin Coe Norko, founder and president of the Connecticut Spirit Association, Inc., decided it was time for a career change and instead of wearing suits thought is was time to wear sweat suits and pursue what made her happy…working with children. After 12 years of working in Corporate America and coaching junior high and high school athletes Robin opened what is known today as the Spirit Zone Cheerleading & Gymnastics Training Center, the home of the Connecticut Spirit All-Star Cheerleading Program and Copy C.A.T.S. Gymnastics. The gym began with 35 athletes and grew to 500 during the busy season in 2003. In 2000, under the guidance of Byron Knox, the Spirit Zone added recreational gymnastics. The gym was formerly in Woodbridge and moved to a new state of the art air conditioned facility in Hamden in July of 2006.

The Spirit Zone today is a full service cheerleading and gymnastics company offering highly competitive all-star cheerleading & gymnastics teams, tumbling classes, gymnastics classes for ages 18 months and older, cheerleading skills classes, team/individual clinics and camps, birthday parties, facility rentals, choreography, coaches clinics, and music mixes. The competitive gymnastics program offers a program for pre-team, prep-op and Levels 4 through 8 at this time. The competitive cheerleading teams offer opportunities for children ages 3 and older. We also have worked with special needs children and would welcome the opportunity to do so again.

The Spirit Zone has trained professionals and a very experienced cheerleading, tumbling and gymnastics staff. We are confident in what we do and how we do it. We teach the athletes in our gym more than skill. We emphasize teamwork, give them self-esteem and teach them life skills. We specialize in all areas … cheerleading, tumbling, and gymnastics. Each program in our gym has a director(s) focusing on the success of the program; Anthony Ridgway – Cheerleading, Jason Burroughs – Tumbling and Kaitlyn O'Donnel and Breanna Collins - Gymnastics. Many of our cheerleading coaches are former staff members for the Universal Cheerleaders Association and the National Cheerleaders Association. All of our cheerleading coaches are credentialed by the US All-Star Federation. Some also coach at the college and high school levels. Our gymnastics staff are former or current members of their college gymnastics teams and are USAG certified. We staff our classes at maximum of 1 instructor to every 8 students. Our team ratios are under 1:10. This staff ratio ensures that every student gets attention in our gym.

We invest in our team athletes at the Spirit Zone year round. We train them every chance we get and that is at EVERY practice. There aren’t any extras or hidden costs. We do all our training at our practices but offer more of it if you can’t get enough! We believe that every athlete should reach their full potential. We take a personal interest in every athlete’s success! It’s not just what you teach … it’s how you teach it … it’s how you interact with the kids!

The 2009-2010 season was the most successful year all our athletes ever had. This year was very exciting for all of us. Our gymnasts won multiple state titles and cheerleading teams won 47 titles. We are proud that the Spirit Zone is a leader in the state of Connecticut. We take great pride in the positive impact that our gym has had on the youth in Connecticut. We love to watch our students at their meets, games, and competitions reach their goals. It is very rewarding for the entire staff to see an individual or team we work with grow.

Last modified on Monday, 15 August 2011 11:44

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Jason Burroughs

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Sunday	11am - 8pm
Monday	10am - 8pm
Tuesday	10am - 8pm
Wednesday	10am - 8pm
Thursday	10am - 8pm
Friday	12pm - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm

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Testimonials from Our All-Stars My daughter is 12 and is starting her 4th year at the gym. Cheerleading is her passion and love and we have been very happy being a part of the Spirit family. One of the most wonderful things I have seen at the gym is the combination of what I am going to call the Four “S’s. Safety, Skills, Self-esteem, and Self-Discipline. I have always been impressed with the emphasis on safety training of the coaches, working in progression, and conditioning so the cheerleaders are ready for the season. I love that my daughter has been forced to develop self-discipline in prioritizing her time and energy to make sure homework is done and a few IMs to her friends have been sent, before we can go to practice. Most important, my daughter knows she is a skilled athlete and performer and that makes her feel great! She continually has progressed (2 levels in 3 years) in her skills and feel good about herself. To me, that is what every parent wishes for their child – Self Esteem. She enjoys working hard to gain more skills and the coaching staff has been ideal about helping her progress. We have had the joy of working with many coaches and we have been very pleased with all of them. My daughter was chosen as athlete of the week for our town paper and I wanted to share a quote that she used in the paper that completely came from her. Who would you like to thank? My family for giving their time and my coaches Idris and Jackie because they’ve always taught us everything they know and have encouraged us and had faith is us. I also wanted to thank my team because I was the youngest going onto the team and didn’t know anyone and they’ve been real supportive. I still remember the first time we went down to the gym in Woodbridge. Anna just turned 10 a few months before. I credit your program with helping my daughter become the woman she is today. I will always cherish my memories from there. You guys have a special place in my heart. Karen Tullock, mother of graduating senior Anna Ingrassia Our family is returning to Connecticut Spirit All Star Program (CT Spirit) following a short break and a family tragedy. My daughter, Amber, started with CT Spirit in 2003 when CT Spirit was located in Woodbridge, CT. At that time, Amber tried out and qualified for the Junior Black team. She was a cheerleader on the Junior Black Team for a couple of years; after that, she was a cheerleader on the Senior Silver Team for a few years. This year, Amber tried out and finished the season with the Diamond Team at their new location in Hamden, CT. As much as Amber enjoys being a part of CT Spirit, where safety is a key element in the Gym, being a competitive athlete, in a competitive sport, involves some risks. During this past season, Amber injured her shoulder at practice. She will take this summer off from cheerleading for a Bankart Lesion procedure. This surgical procedure will repair Amber’s torn Labrum which re-attaches the ligaments and cartilage in her shoulder. In spite of Amber surgery and a six month recovery period, Amber will return to the sport and to cheerleading at CT Spirit. She is looking forward to returning to the Diamond Team or hopefully qualifying for CT Spirit’s International Team for another competitive season in 2010. Whether Amber cheered on a CT Spirit team or she attended a CT Spirit function, both Amber and I have always had great respect and appreciation for CT Spirit All Stars’ program. In addition, we have high regard for the Owner, Robin Norko and for her ideology, vision and concern for the safety of her athletes. Robin is driven by teaching safe cheerleading techniques at CT Spirit. She believes in having respect for all persons; and she enforces respect among athletes, coaches and parents, alike. Through Robin’s leadership, she trains her coaches and athletes to compete safely and effectively, as well as encourage and motivate them to “bring home the first place trophy” at local, World and International competitions. The synergy in the Gym goes beyond the walls of CT Spirit. CT Spirit parents also find the time to embrace one another. Some parents take time to get together while our cheerleaders are at practice - getting ready for the next competition. We have gotten together with one another at membership gyms for a quick exercise workout, met for coffee, or even met for a quick social hour. There is so much to be said about the Connecticut Spirit All Stars program. CT Spirit has added value to our family and it has been a rewarding experience for both Amber and I. Amber and I have roomed together with other families at away competitions. We have shared excitement when our team “takes the floor” and does well; and we have also rallied together for encouragement and support when our team took the floor and failed to peak their performance. Amber and I are proud to a part of the Connecticut Spirit All Stars Gym. In fact, Amber makes a statement that speaks volumes of the synergy she embraces from the coaches and from the CT Spirit program. Amber leaves most practices, jumps into my car and reiterate, “I love cheerleading….cheerleading is my life”. Her consistent comment is heart-warming and it makes me happy because she is a 16 year young teenager whom, I know, is surrounded in a positive environment - loving life. My teenager is happy to be a part of CT Spirit. She enjoys the coaches and the rigorous practices. I attribute Amber’s happiness at the Gym to CT Spirit’s philosophy - the respect for one another and learning and perfecting an art with proper training and techniques taught by qualified and skills coaches. Thank you Connecticut Spirit All Stars. Frances and Amber Barnes

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USASF Collegiate Scholarship Young Athlete Scholarship Program Overview: The USASF (United States All Star Federation) understands deeply the needs of it’s members. Expenses in all star cheerleading can grow rapidly. The gym fees and competition fees required to keep the industry alive add to the uniform and travel costs, leaving little opportunity for youth in lower classes to continue participation. The USASF believes whole-heartedly in the positive benefits a truly unique sport augment. The purpose of the Young Athlete Gym Scholarship Program is to gift young people with the ability to participate and inspire. We as an all star cheerleading and dance community are coming together to give back into the industry and athletes who create such opportunity.
It is the USASF’s mission to maximize the number of participants benefiting from all star cheerleading and dance, and provide an outlet through competitive programs. The Young Athlete Gym Scholarship Program provides a way for the USASF and our corporate sponsor to support the talents of our members and all young people who desire to participate. By doing so the sponsored athlete receives a chance to continue to grow character, strength and their future in a sport that they may not otherwise be able to pursue, is not for the generosity of scholarship assistance. Description of Awards: Merit Based- Merit Based scholarships are available through support of our corporate sponsor(s). Merit awards are provided to athletes who show outstanding academic achievement, talent ability and performance, and have made important community and leadership contributions. Athletes should demonstrate they are well-rounded and be able to provide support recommendations to achievements. Need Based- Need based scholarships are available through the generosity of private corporations, partners, individual donors, alumni gifts, and other funding resources. Priority is given to applications submitted by a “gym fee request” form from their preferred gym owner. All applications must provide support documentation demonstrating financial need and satisfactory academic progress. Entry Criteria: Merit Based-
To be eligible for a Merit Based Scholarship: Applicant must be between the ages of 9 and 17 as of May 31st, 2008 Applicant must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA Applicant must be a USASF member for 12 months prior to Award presentation Recommending gym must be a USASF member gym To apply for the Merit Based Scholarship Applicant must: Fill out Application clearly and honestly Complete a 350 word essay on provided questionnaire Submit a DVD with 90 seconds (performance) Full arrangement of skills Attach a current and past year report card Attach a completed Recommendation Forms from: Gym Coach/Owner An organization, gym or teacher Applicant’s parent Need Based –
To be eligible for a Need Based Scholarship: Applicant must be between the ages of 9 and 17 as of May 31st, 2008 Applicant must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA Applicant must be a USASF member for 12 months prior to Award presentation Recommending gym must be a USASF member gym To apply for the Merit Based Scholarship Applicant must: Fill out Application clearly and honestly Complete a 350 word essay on provided questionnaire Submit a DVD with 90 seconds (performance) Full arrangement of skills Attach a current and past year report card Attach a completed Recommendation Forms from: Gym Coach/Owner An organization, gym or teacher Applicant’s parent Attach a letter from parent’s legal guardian regarding status of need Attach a separate recommendation letter from coach or gym director regarding status of need and gym participation Judging Panel:
A panel of independent judges have been selected from a combination of donors and sponsors, to review and evaluate all scholarship applications. The selection of these judges has been made to ensure an unbiased and level atmosphere. Results and selection will be made by an Advisory Board developed in the honor of this scholarship. Selection Criteria:
The Athlete Gym Scholarships will be determined based on either merit of need and how well the applicant demonstrates , through supporting documentation, the requirements to participate in the scholarship program . Finalists:
Finalists will be notified, both through the gym as well as to the home address provided, no later than March 15th, 2009. All Merit-Based Finalists will be provided with a certificate of merit. Award Notification:
All parties will be notified of the status and acceptance of application, both through the gym as well as to the home address provided, no later than April 1, 2009. Award Funding:
The Athlete Gym Scholarship will be funded directly to the applicant’s gym in their name. Scholarship will cover athlete’s expenses up to awarded amount and within one year it is specified. Collegiate Scholarship Program Overview: The USASF (United States All Star Federation) encourages the positive life benefits of all star cheerleading and dance that stay with an all star cheerleader or dancer as they pursue their future. High school seniors who have been involved in all star cheerleading and dance and are pursuing a higher education, may apply for this scholarship to assist the start of their new lives. The USASF believes that continued effects of the character, sportsmanship, work ethic and teamwork shall follow all star cheerleaders and dancers in their education endeavors. The purpose of this program is to support and guide dedicated and talented athletes through this transition. As well as recognize the hard work and efforts that have developed success for them to this point.
The USASF’s mission in maximizing the number of participants benefiting from the positive life benefits in all star cheerleading and dance, supports athlete’s around the world. The College Scholarship Program provides athletes support in applying these benefits to a College/University Degree. The athlete can contribute to the community around her and pursue an education with aid and encouragement. Description of Award:
Performance and Merit Based - This award is provided to athletes who show outstanding leadership, ability and passion for all star cheerleading or dance. Achievement and philanthropic efforts should be demonstrated along with skills and a coaches recommendation. Each award is given based on the outstanding demonstrations of all these attributions. Entry Criteria:
Performance and Merit Based-
To be eligible for a Collegiate Scholarship: Applicant must be planning to attend College/University as a full time student Applicant must be a USASF member for 12 months prior to Award presentation To apply for the Merit Based Scholarship Applicant must: Fill out Application clearly and honestly Complete a 350 word essay on provided pertinent questions Why are you going to College/University? What do you plan to study? How has your participation in all star cheerleading or dance helped your personal development/ How do you plan to give back to your community after completing your education? How have you helped promote good sportsmanship in our sport/ What specifically makes a good role model? List three of the biggest challenges to image of cheerleading or dance in our society Formulate a three step program for improving the image of cheerleading or dance nationwide that you would recommend to industry leaders List several suggestions you feel could help improve the all star industry Describe any unusual challenges or financial hardships you face in continuing your education Submit a DVD with 90 seconds (performance) Full arrangement of skills Attach a past year transcripts Attach a completed Recommendation Form from: All Star Cheer or Dance Coach All Star Cheer or Dance Owner/Program Director Judging Panel:
A separate judging panel has been selected for each stage of the application process. The purpose of this separation and selection is to ensure quality and meticulous review of applicant’s supporting material while maintaining fair and clear opinions. Evaluations will be separated into: Application review, recommendation letter review, essay review and tape review. Results will be reviewed by a committee and finalists chosen. After evaluation process is complete and finalists are chosen a separate group will interview and select from the finalists interview and prior application review. Selection Criteria:
The Collegiate Scholarships will be determined based on either merit and need and how well the applicant demonstrates, through supporting materials and interview process, the requirements to participate in scholarship program. Finalists:
Finalists will be notified, both through the gym as well as to the home address provided, no later than March 15th, 2009. All finalists will be provided with a certificate of merit. Award Notification:
All parties will be notified of the status and acceptance of application, both through the gym as well as to the home address provided, no later than April , 2009. Award Funding:
The Collegiate Scholarship will be awarded directly to the Applicant’s Selected College. Funds will be awarded once.

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