Chuck and Charmaine Chartrey understand that more youngsters want to stand up and cheer.
So they’re keeping the gym door open wide for those who want to step inside and explore the emerging sport of competitive cheer.
What began as a recreational tumbling class has evolved into something bigger and more challenging for the Kent couple who have found a home at David Hart’s gymnastics center in north Auburn.
“We pride ourselves in making it affordable and fun – to every athlete who wants to cheer,” said Chuck Chartrey, who has been involved in gymnastics and cheerleading for more than 12 years. “If they have a passion to cheer, we’re going to help fill that passion for them.
“It’s about going out and having fun, doing your best and making it affordable for families.”
The Chartreys know a thing or two about competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, including choreography, dance, stunts and routines. Both have coached and competed on the national stage.
Lately, they are building a team – the Northwest XTreme Cheer All-Stars – a new program open to area youngsters. Tryouts continue as the Chartreys continue to shape a team of about 20-40 girls, ages 5-17, that will compete locally.
Two successful tryouts have attracted 30 athletes. The team will continue to hold open tryouts throughout the summer. First practice is May 1 at Hart’s Gymnastics Center.
The All-Stars are coming in all shapes and sizes.
“We have some girls who have never cheered a day in their lives, and we have some who have cheered for as long as they’ve been walking,” Chuck Chartrey said. “It takes many different types of athletes to build and shape a good all-star team. And they don’t have to be the best tumblers or the best stunters to make the team.”
The Chartreys teach according to age and ability. They teach all kinds of maneuvers, from conventional cartwheels to elaborate pyramids.
“Our routines will be very energetic,” Chuck Chartrey said. “There’s never going to be a dull moment.”
Hart’s Gymnastics Center, equipped with a springboard floor, provides the right environment to excel.
“One of my goals is to give them self-confidence and that can-do-it attitude,” said Charmaine, who has been involved in gymnastics and cheerleading for more than 15 years.
The Chartreys come to Auburn with an extensive background.
Chuck Chartrey was a member and coach of several national champion competitive cheer teams, including the University of Oregon cheerleading squad.
While in college, Chuck and a partner started a successful high school stunt and tumbling class in Eugene, Ore. He has gone to nationals for partner stunting and team competition, in which he has taken several top finishes.
After college, he joined the Portland Trail Blazers’ stunt and show squad where he continued to hone his skills.
Chuck Chartrey coached and assisted many squads in Oregon and Washington over the years.
In addition to previously running her own gymnastics program in Oregon, Charmaine Chartrey participated and coached several competitive cheer squads.
She brings a youthful love of gymnastics along with a depth of knowledge to her classes as a Hart’s staff member.
She also has worked with several high school cheerleading squads, developing everything from competition routines to putting on stunting/tumbling clinics and preparing cheerleaders looking to compete in college.
