The Man Behind The Music: Leighton Clarke

Leighton Clarke has been a UCA staff instructor for 20 years! His role with UCA has evolved over time and he is now the music producer for the UCA & UDA College Demo routine. While you patiently wait for the last live streamed demo of the summer, learn more about the man who created this year's USA themed music!

Meet Leighton:

What is your favorite part of being a part of College Staff?

The family and team atmosphere. It reminds me a lot of when I cheered in college.

What makes the college camps feel so special?

That College Staff is a mixture of cheerleaders from different cheer backgrounds and coaching styles but can still work together to hit a demo routine and teach college camps.

What is your favorite part of the demo this year?

The basket section where the top girls transition in an x-out body position and of course the music theme, USA.

What is your favorite stunt?

The elite sequence. In the past, I was the one that always strived to be in that section.

What is your favorite UCA Staff memory?

My favorite memory was from about 10-12 years ago. After our last college camp of the summer, the staff all sat around in the dorms for about four hours before we had to leave for the airport. What made it memorable was listening to everyone tell stories about the summer. Their highs and lows — in that moment I realized that I had the best job in the world with the best staff/friends/family ever.

Where did you cheer?

The University of South Florida where I now assist my wife in coaching the all-girl team!

Leighton and his wife, Sandy showing off their skills at a USF game.

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