Rachel Wall says she is happy to be working at the MississippiGym of Dreams. An award-winning cheerleader on Delta StateUniversity’s national championship squad, Wall is teaching herskills to youngsters who want to become cheerleaders.

“I’m definitely glad to be here,” said Wall. “The MississippiGym of Dreams is a very nice facility.”

Wall, 26, said she believes in sound fundamentals for thepreschool and junior cheerleader squads she instructs. “When theyadvance to higher levels, they will already have the safetyskills.”

Conditioning for the young athletes is important, according toWall. “It takes a lot more strength than people realize. We try tocondition them with running, situps and pushups. But we still tryto make it a fun experience.

Cheerleading classes already are under way and the fall sessionbegins Aug. 4.

Wall and her husband, Clayton, are Jackson residents. She isoriginally from eastern Kentucky.

A Delta State grad, Wall obtained a degree in exercise science.She taught at Thoroughbred Gym in Winchester, Ky., after graduatingfrom college.

The 1999-2000 DSU cheerleader squad won the national title. Theywere runners-up the next two years. She also cheered at JenkinsHigh School in Kentucky.

The MGD has an enrollment of 380-400 students. About 80 of themare on the all-star cheerleading squad. There are 20 members on thecompetitive or traveling team.

“We have students from Lincoln, Copiah, Lawrence and FranklinCounties coming here,” said MGD owner Dwana Wright. “Cheerleadingis becoming a more of a sport.”

Wright said she was happy to have Wall on her staff. “Rachel isvery talented. She has a list of credentials which speak forthemselves. She is very eager to help the young people improvetheir skills. She will compliment Duane Meilstrup and our otherstaff members.

“I think the people of Brookhaven will find Rachel a pleasure towork with,” said Wright.