The Pioneer All-Star Cheer and Stunt Club are somersaulting toward their first competition of the spring semester. On Sunday, Feb. 21, the club will head to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for their first large group competition of the spring. There, they will face off against other schools from Wisconsin.

Photograph by Anthony Bauer


Talia Martino, junior, is raised by her teammates during a performance during the Feb. 3 women’s basketball game. The All-Star Cheer and Stunt Club is made up of both varsity cheerleaders and those who did not make the squad but still wish to compete and perform.

The Pioneer All-Star Cheer and Stunt Club began in 2004 to give varsity cheerleaders at UW-Platteville, who cheer at football and basketball games during the fall and spring semesters, a chance to compete outside of the school.

“We work together to make both squads better during games and competitions, it’s a mutual relationship,” said Ryan Uitenbroek, senior, industrial engineering major and stunt coordinator.

UW-P varsity cheerleaders make up the club, as well as those who did not make the varsity squad and still want to compete. Practices are underway for the competition and the cheerleaders are concentrating on stunt flexibility, lifting, cardio and, in general, making every stunt look easy, Uitenbroek said.

Senior graphic design major and captain of the squad, Katie Berglin, enjoys the hard work that the club is putting in but also values the relationships that come with tough practices.

“This club offers flexibility from the regular squad, practices are structured and serious but it’s also nice to have fun and bond as a group,” Berglin said.

As the 32 members of the club gear up for their competition, Uitenbroek is very optimistic about the club’s chances at the competition.

“Since my freshman year and the beginning of this club, this is the best squad since then,” Uitenbroek said. “There are a lot of new people who have never done this before but they have talent and are learning quick.”