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10 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, July 15, 2010 Local duo all for A-R-G-O-S! By EAMONN MAHER Staff Writer SPORTS & LEISURE JENNY B. Finding something to cheer about a Toronto Argonauts' franchise that has a 8-30 record over the past two seasons can be a bit of a challenge. But a couple of Georgetown residents who are members of the Canadian Football League club's cheerleading team say they bleed Double Blue-- regardless of the result. "You do feel like you're part of the team and you take the losses the way the players do," said Jessica S., whose last name, like all Argonauts' cheerleaders, is not given for reasons of personal safety. "Argo fans are so loyal and to see the team win is really nice, but the girls are there to have fun and be supportive during the game no matter what. It's JESSICA S. kind of like being a part of a giant family." Jessica is in her third year as an Argo cheerleader, and her full-time job is to write for a Toronto-based lifestyle magazine called AMOI, while also volunteering for Rogers Cable in Mississauga, with an eye on eventually becoming a TV reporter and producer. She was a member of the University of Guelph-Humber performance dance team in her fourth year when an instructor suggested she attend an Argo cheerleader tryout. "On the first day I was a little unprepared when I saw how serious the dance aspect of the team was, and I loved it," added 23-year-old Jessica, a big basketball fan who has come to appreciate the punishing nature of football while watching at field level. "To make the team the first year was quite a thrill. But it's up to you to stay fit and be able to learn new dance routines because it's a solid team and you have to re-audition every single year to earn one of those 33 spots back." Jessica trained extensively with Georgetown's Centre Stage School of the Arts, as did the other local member of the Argos' cheerleading squad, Jenny B. As a rookie on the team, she is referred to as "Baby Georgetown" by Jessica, which is fitting since Jenny began dancing not long after she learned to walk. "I've always wanted to do something that would allow me to dance and stay involved with the community and to be involved with a professional sports team like the Argos as been a great experience," said the 19-year-old university law student. "I did have a little bit of power cheerleading experience but with the Argos, it doesn't feel like your typical dance team. It's a fairly large time commitment and it's worth it. You're making appearances at different events apart from the games and I love constantly meeting new people, building bridges with businesses and community organizations." The team practises for two-and-a-half hours per session, twice a week to be prepared for the three hours they'll spend on the field during a game. "Our practices are quite vigorous and intense because our coaches have great expectations of us," Jenny said. "It does take a toll on you, but I love the atmosphere of a sporting event like a football game where you've got 30,000 people cheering and going crazy and you're feeding off that energy in a positive way." The 1-1 Argos played their home opener last night (Wednesday) against the Calgary Stampeders at the Rogers Centre. Georgetown Soccer Club hosts tourney Photos courtesy Toronto Argonauts Football Club Eighty-four teams from around southern Ontario will compete in the Georgetown Soccer Club's annual All-Star & Select Tournament this weekend at several local-area fields, featuring girls' and boys' divisions. Winston Churchill Matches begin Saturday morning and the championship games for each of the 13 age groups are slated for Sunday afternoon. For complete schedules, visit the website www.georgetownsoccerclub.com. Hwy. 7 IZT AUTO SALES 481 Guelph St., NORVAL - 416-993-2506 Sunny Acres Farm 9th Line 10th Sideroad 5th Sideroad 9519 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD., NORVAL Call for Availability BUY - SELL - TRADE · Lease Financing · Auto Finder · Accessories · Detailing from $79. · Ministry Appraisals CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR LATEST INVENTORY: 905-867-5629 IZTAUTOSALES.COM