By Gloria Beverage

Colfax Record Editor

Cheerleading is physically challenging, believes 15-year-old Katelyn Gassaway.

“I think a lot of people think of the stereotypical cheerleader,” she said. “But it’s a lot harder than it looks. You have to work to be good at it.”

For Gassaway, that means practicing and training five days a week, then performing at games and competitions on weekends.

A sophomore at Colfax High School, Gassaway has been cheering for five years.

“I thought it was cool to encourage people watching the football team,” she said of her initial interest in the sport.

Gassaway was also fascinated by the athleticism of the teams – how they would throw a cheerleader into the air.

She began cheering with the Placer Jr. Hillmen, and then joined the Colfax Jr. Falcon cheerleading squad in 2006.

Soon after joining the squad, Gassaway began taking tumbling classes to perfect her back handsprings and tucks, both moves essential to the dance-like cheer routines.

In 2008, she was named captain of her squad and was selected by the Colfax Jr. Falcons to participate in the Shrine Bowl.

Gassaway was named captain of Colfax High School’s JV cheer squad in 2009 and is currently a member of the Colfax High Varsity cheer squad.

In addition to cheering at football games, Gassaway joined a year-round competitive squad, the Sierra All-Stars in Auburn, three years ago. She has also competed with the Auburn Elite Cheer Squad.

This past summer, while attending cheer camp for Colfax High School at UC Davis, Gassaway had an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“She tried out and was selected to perform as an All-American cheerleader in the New Year’s Day parade in London,” said her mother, Angie Pearson-Gassaway. “All Americans are selected to try out based on superior cheerleading skills at camps across the country.”

Only the top 10 percent of cheerleaders who attend Universal Cheerleaders Association and United Spirit Association summer camps are selected to march in the holiday spectacular, Pearson continued.

“I felt confident, but I was still surprised (to be offered the opportunity). Not a lot of girls get that offer,” Gassaway said.

The parade, added her mother, is “the most incredible event of its kind in the world. Katelyn will be able to represent our area and celebrate the New Year with all of London before a street side audience of more than one million and, via television, a total audience of more than 20 million around the world.”

The selection comes with a price, however.

The cost of the trip is nearly $3,000. While the family covered the initial deposit, Gassaway must now raise more than $2,000 by Nov. 2.

Although she’d like to get a part time job, most employers won’t hire anyone under 16.

So, she’s trying to earn money by babysitting, walking dogs or doing odd jobs.

She is also collecting bottles, cans and plastic to recycle as well as cell phones and ink cartridges.

Plans are also underway to sell See’s Candy and baked goods two days a week, added her mother.

On Saturday, Gassaway will be selling gently used items at a booth during the 49er Lions Club flea market from7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn.

“If anyone has anything small and gently used that they’d like to donate for her to sell, she’d appreciate it very much,” said Angie Pearson-Gassaway.

The trip to London is a milestone in Gassaway’s mind.

“I want to go far in cheer,” she said. “I think going to London is one step to getting better and having experience.”

She aspires to be a member of a professional cheer team.

“Katelyn is very goal-oriented,” said Kim Johnson, who coaches the Colfax High School cheerleading squad. “When she puts her mind to doing something — whether it’s a stunt or going on this trip – she is definitely going to do it. She’s on board with whatever you ask of her.”

Her coach at Sierra All-Stars, Jamie Bamburg echoes Johnson’s opinion of Gassaway.

“Her work ethic is outstanding,” Bamburg said. “She is one of those kids that doesn’t ever complain, but keeps on going.”

Not only that, Bamburg proudly pointed out, the teen volunteers every Saturday to coach a special needs cheerleading squad.

When Gassaway isn’t training with her cheerleading squads (at Colfax High School three days a week and with the Auburn team twice a week), she works at keeping her 4.0 GPA.

“I come home and do homework and that’s about it,” she said.

The daughter of Angie and Shane Gassaway is considering either a career as a doctor or as a forensics scientist.

But, she doesn't want to lose sight of a career as professional cheerleader and coach.