Some may be confused when they hear the word “stunt” being used when talking about sports. But stunt is a sport, actually. Stunt derives from cheerleading but removes the “steering the audience” element and concentrates on the technical and athletic components. This includes things like partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, group jumps, and tumbling. 

Just like in many other sports, there are four quarters. Quarters vary in time, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half. Each competition has a halftime, and most games are played between two teams. There are six routines that can be called in each of the first three quarters. Routine 1 being the most simple and routine 2 being the most complex. Every quarter has a primary focus

• Quarter One (focuses partner stunts)                                                                                                             
• Quarter Two (focuses on pyramids and tosses)
• Quarter Three (focuses on group jumps and tumbling)
• Quarter Four (a combination routine of the previous three quarters)

In the first three quarters, there are four rounds of play (each worth one point). In the fourth quarter, there are two rounds (each worth three points). This season has been great for the John Jay Jaguars; they have competed in eight competitions this season, remaining undefeated. Led by two head coaches, Mrs. Duncan and Ms. Vee. 

I interviewed Khole Jean-Bart, #7 on the John Jay Jaguars Stunt team, and asked her questions about her time on the team and how she has grown since joining Stunt. 

What position do you play?

• Right now I’m training to be a base, but I’m mostly in jumps and tumbling routines. 

What drew you to becoming a stunt athlete? 

• After football cheer, my coach appreciated my skills and introduced me to stunt. I knew I wanted to build discipline, and I already knew the team, so I joined.

Before stunt did you have any training?

• No, I was as unathletic as it gets. But before coming to John Jay, I went to an art school where we danced pretty often, so it was easy for me to catch counts and learn routines. 

Were you scared of doing the routines? , and if so, how did you overcome said fear?

• Yes, it was nerve-racking because I was going to be in front of a lot of people, but my coaches and teammates helped me feel more at ease.

What is one skill that took you the longest to perfect?

• Toe touches, At first they were really janky, and now they’re a little less janky. And as practices go on and I continue to do routines, things are becoming easier.

How has stunt changed you as a person?

• Stunt has made me more disciplined and more confident. Helping me become more patient with others. It has also made me self-aware. Meaning, like, I had to become more mindful of how my actions affected the whole team. 

What has been your proudest moment so far?

• My proudest moment is every competition. Performing makes me feel happy and energetic and proud, watching all our hard work pay off.

What advice would you give someone who wants to join stunt?

• Honestly just do it. Believe and be very patient with yourself, and you’ll do great.

What goals is your team working towards? 

• Our goals are to build unity and become a family through sisterhood, all while working together and stepping on these other teams.

It’s important to acknowledge and congratulate our stunt team here on the John Jay campus by giving them the recognition they deserve.