CLAIRE Cristobal ended her collegiate cheerdance career with a bang, but not before getting a scare
Winner of the Group Stunt Two years ago, the NU Pep Squad skipper was part of the pyramid that crumbled during National University’s performance in the 2015 UAAP Cheer Dance Competition on Saturday at MOA Arena.
Those errors were feared to have cost the NU squad, but the team nevertheless went on to claim its third straight title.
“Actually I’m part of the group na nagkaroon ng flaws pero katulad ng laging nire-remind sa amin ng mga coaches namin during practice na hindi ka pwedeng gumive up sa gitna ng laban kailangan tapusin mo 'yun,” she said.
“Magkamali ka man may kasunod pa puwede kang bumawi. Kasi as a performer hindi puwedeng sa isang part ka lang mag-focus. Kung nagkamali ka dyan bumawi ka sa susunod.”
Cristobal admitted that they felt the pressure as the crowd jeered as they committed mistakes.
“As a team captain hindi ko pwede ipakita sa members na ako 'yung nalaglagan, mada-down ako, hindi, kailangan kong i-lift up ang sarili ko, encourage ko ang sarili ko na mayroon pang kasunod kailangang bumawi, kailangang lumaban.”
“Siguro nakatulong ang encouragement sa amin ng mga coaches namin during practice. Sabi nga kung ano ang ginagawa mo sa practice pwede mong madala sa actual performance,” she said.
“May times nangyayari 'yun sa practice pero during that performance naaalala namin ang coaches naming na sabi nila na hindi kami puwedeng mag-give up sa gitna ng laban, kailangan tapusin namin yun hanggang dulo. Keep the energy," she added.
Cristobal became known for her body-bending moves that won for NU the Group Stunts in 2013, although they failed to retain the title the next season.
But Cristobal bounced back and won the cheer dance title in her final year at NU.
“Masaya ako kasi naging part na ako ng team,” said the Cristobal.
“Kaya lang ito na 'yung last year ko sa team. Pero masaya talaga ko at proud dahil na-experience ko ‘to.”
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