On Sunday, October 14, 2018, the event that cheerleaders throughout the county work so hard to prepare for finally arrived, the 2018 GFL Cheer Off. The Gwinnett Football League or GFL is the parent program that oversees youth recreation football and cheerleading associations throughout Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. The GFL Cheer Association is for girls in grades 1st through 8th.
While the football teams have their playoffs, cheerleading has their one big event where all association cheer squads compete for the trophy and title of GFL Cheer Off Champions. The girls can train up to three days a week for up to an hour and a half each practice in order to perfect their routine that they will perform. This is very serious business for these young ladies.
The Infinite Energy Center was full of cheers, pom poms, hair bows, glitter, and determination on the 14th. Each grade level had their own competition which was also based on their squad’s size. All day the different squads would compete and with hopeful spirits wait to hear the results.
Some associations had a better day than others. Two local cheer associations had a day to be proud of. Buford and Lanier each had six squads place 4th or higher at this year’s GFL Cheer Off. “Our squads did amazing!” exclaimed Sara Bamberg, Director of Lanier AA Cheer.
Buford Cheer Director, Teresa Clayborn told The Voice that this is the best year that Buford has had since they started competing at the Cheer Off. Teresa claims it’s the hard work of the girls, which began way back in August, combined with the dedication of their cheer coaches that netted their success.
“GFL Cheer-Off is extremely competitive and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to perform with the best of the best in our county!” says Teresa. “I am extremely proud of all our Buford squads and how they represented themselves and Buford!” exclaimed Clayborn.
Here are the results for both Buford and Lanier cheer squads for the 2018 GFL Cheer Off.
Buford
2nd Grade – 3rd Place
3rd Grade – 2nd Place
4th Grade – 3rd Place
5th Grade – 4th Place
7th Grade – 2nd Place
8th Grade – 1st Place
Lanier
1st/2nd Grade – 3rd Place
4th Grade – 1st Place
5th Grade – 1st Place
6th Grade – 2nd Place
7th Grade – 3rd Place
8th Grade – 3rd Place
Congratulations to these Buford and Lanier cheerleading squads for their accomplishments this year!
