The Ceres Pups Wrestling Club has expanded its cheerleading program.

The Pups are fielding their first-ever competitive cheer squad this season.

Approximately 15 girls, aged 9-13, earned spots on the team.

“They had to try out in front of a panel of judges,” head coach Melissa Ruger said. 

The Pups competed at JAMZ Nationals, Jan. 21-22, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

Ceres’ routine consisted of tumbling, stunts, jumps and choreography.

“This is the first year these girls have competed before,” Ruger said. “It’s nerve racking going against teams that have been doing this for years.”

The Pups enjoyed a breakthrough performance when they took third place at JAMZ Adrenaline on Dec. 16 at Stockton Arena.

“They definitely surprised me,” Ruger said. “They’re pushing themselves to higher limits. I’m super proud of them.”

Ceres’ routine was near-flawless according to Ruger.

No deductions were given as they turned in a “hit-zero” performance.

“Our overall score was 93 out of 100,” she said. “We hit all of our stunts that day. We got a very high score in choreography. They executed their moves at an advanced level. We were pretty successful.”

The Pups practice at least two nights a week. Each session lasts two hours.

Members train at Ceres High on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

“It takes a lot of commitment,” said Ruger. “Not only are they practicing at practice, they’re practicing at home.”

“In cheer, you have to depend on every individual member,” she added. 

The Ceres Pups cheer program has a roster size of 35, including 15 beginners aged 4-9. The youngsters performed at Ceres High’s boys and girls wrestling tournaments this winter. They practice at the Pups House in downtown Ceres on Tuesdays and at Ceres High on Friday.

“We have the most amazing fans,” Ruger said. “When we perform at tournaments, we get huge cheers. They’re not used to seeing that.”

The Pups will hold tryouts for competitive cheer, from 9-11 a.m., on Feb. 10 at the Pups House.

The facility is located at 3037 Fifth Street.

“Next year, we’ll be looking to expand to three teams, beginner, intermediate and advanced competitive,” Ruger said. 

Ruger co-founded the Ceres Pups cheer program with Steve Festa in 2019.

She also cheered at the youth, club and high school levels.

 “I’ve been coaching cheer since I was 15,” Ruger said. “I enjoy being able to teach children things I love. 

“A lot of times people don’t take cheerleading serious,” she added. “It’s going to be an Olympic sport.”

“Melissa has been our head coach since the very beginning,” said Festa, Pups Wrestling Club Founder/President. “She was the head coach at Ceres High when we asked her to help us. Her expectations are very high. She pushes the girls to be their very best.”