I’ve been asked how I feel about competing in the same division as the new cheer gym here in our valley, and my emotions are complicated. It feels unfair to the kids to have them compete against their former teammates. It’s anxiety-inducing and upsetting, and if I hadn’t already announced a Level 4 team, I would have chosen a different division just for their sake. But for me, this isn’t a competition. How can I be in competition with a gym whose foundation was built on what I created here? The athletes and coaches there are ones that I trained and invested in. The skills they’ll showcase, the tenacity they’ll display, and the team mindset they have—it all started and was cultivated for years right here at Rogue. And that’s a beautiful thought. It shows that our coaching and our values didn’t just create good cheerleaders; they created a legacy. I’m not threatened by their success; I’m profoundly proud. When I see those athletes and coaches, I don’t see rivals—I see the people I poured my heart into for close to a decade. Their victories are a testament to the foundation we built at Rogue. I still want to see that flyer hit her double down , because I remember how hard she fought for that as my athlete just a few months ago. I still want that base to become confident in their elite basing abilities, because I watched as they showed up every practice is in the off season to chase their goals. I still want to see that young coach succeed with leading and empowering these kids , because I saw that talent in her when she was just a young cheerleader of mine.
Strangely enough , even their physical building is a testament to Rogue’s impact. I spent over a year searching for the perfect home for Rogue. Lots of dead ends and starting at square one. There were many late nights, tears and stress over this. Then in May I discovered this building which was off the market. However the owners brought it back on the market specifically for us because they were passionate about the work we were doing with kids in the community. I spent a lot of time working with agents and owners to ensure it could be transformed into the ideal space for a cheer gym. That building is now the one they occupy. Looking back, I’m thankful that the Lord directed us to the building we have now and moved into this week , because it is exactly what we needed for the gym we’ve become. I wish them the best in that building and I’m honored by the impact Rogue made on even their location. Although I have to admit….. I am jealous of the big screen and projector set up! I was so excited about that haha.
I started coaching almost 20 years ago because I love this sport and I love kids. That hasn’t changed. I don’t coach for wins, attention, or the title of “owner”. I still coach because of the invaluable lessons kids can learn through this sport. So, when I see athletes and coaches I’ve trained continue to excel and grow, it’s a gift to me. It’s a blessing.
As we enter competition season and we both train our teams, know this; You are not my competition. When you win, it will be a victory for all that Rogue has built. A legacy that now lives on through both of our gyms. Until next time, Coach Beck ♡
ps: if you haven’t heard, we moved to a new location! Here’s a little sneak peek…..
ROGUE CHEER ATHLETICS 