SPC Names New Texan Cheerleaders for 2008-09
Twelve ladies were recently named Texan Cheerleaders after tryouts were held at South Plains College.
Click here to go to Cheer Photo Gallery
The South Plains College Texan Cheerleaders have continued a reputation of excellence in the Western Junior College Athletics Conference for their dynamite choreography and energetic cheers.
Many of the squad’s successes can be attributed to a private AmeriCheer camp they have attended for the past five summers. This allows the girls to get to know each other while also learning to utilize each other’s talents. The camp helps the girls to incorporate some dance moves into their pom and cheer routines. “Camp is a great opportunity for the girls to bond and become a family,” explained Linda McCulloch, Texan Cheerleader director. “The strong relationship among the team helps them to better promote SPC spirit and makes them more effective as a team.”
The cheerleaders routinely wow the crowd with their combination of energetic cheers and choreographed dance routines to the hottest music on the charts from hip hop to jazz and everything in between.
This year marks McCulloch’s ninth year as the director of the cheerleaders and takes the job very seriously. She promotes the importance of self-worth, nutrition, teamwork, character, sportsmanship and motivation to the squad. “These girls all have the potential to do great things, not only in cheerleading, but in life,” McCulloch said. “I want them to strive for perfection during the half-time performances and take that work ethic and utilize it in their academics, careers and lives,” she added.
The hard work has paid off as the Texan Cheerleaders have upheld their reputation of excellence in the WJCAC Conference being known for their innovative cheers and dance routines. This reputation allows the program to recruit top cheerleading athletes from the high school level.
The cheerleaders strive to energize the crowd at the games while also serving as college and athletic ambassadors both on and off the court. Not only do several members of the squad serve as Campus Ambassadors, but the squad also participates in community service events such as "Operation Christmas Child" where the girls fill shoe boxes with small toys, wrap them and send them to needy children around the world, and an ongoing recycling project where the girls collect used ink cartridges and cell phones. The girls also help present awards and sell t-shirts at many SPC athletic events.
Three of this year's cheerleaders are returning veterans who should provide positive leadership. The rest of the squad are first-year members who will bring excitement, enthusiasm and talent to the team.
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Abilou Kirk, 19, sophomore speech language pathology major and daughter of Terry and Martha Kirk of Idalou, graduate of Idalou High School, second-year member of the squad. NCA All-American; Homecoming Queen; Miss IHS; IHS Prom Queen; National Honor Society; Student Council president; FCCLA president; FFA Public Relations team and Dairy Foods team; UIL News Writing, Feature Writing and Computer Science teams; participated in basketball, tennis, track and cheerleading in high school; Who’s Who List at SPC; SPC Dean’s List; SPC Campus Ambassador; Baptist Student Ministry. |
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Jodi Owens, 19, sophomore psychology major and daughter of James and Terri Owens of Colorado City, graduate of Colorado City High School, second-year member of the squad. National Honor Society; UCA All-Star Cheerleader; Student Council; Who’s Who Among American High School Scholars; participated in cheerleading and FCA in high school; SPC Dean’s List; SPC Campus Ambassador. |
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Trisha Robertson, 20, sophomore education major and daughter of Mandy and Kyle Whitaker of Muleshoe, graduate of Farwell High School, second-year member of the squad. NCA All-American; FHS representative for Camp Ryla; Girls State representative; FHS Homecoming Queen; Best All-Around Senior; participated in cheerleading, track, basketball and cross country in high school; Baptist Student Ministry. |
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Amanda Berry, 18, freshman chemistry major and daughter of John and Kellie Berry of Post, graduate of Post High School, first-year member of the squad. Who’s Who Among American High School Students; National Honor Society; UCA All-Star Cheerleader; 2006-07 Cheer Captain; Student Council secretary and treasurer; Honors graduate; Varsity cheerleader for three years; graduated in top ten percent of class; participated in track, basketball, softball, cheerleading, cross country and UIL in high school; active in Baptist Student Ministry. |
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Yvette Carrasco, 18, freshman broadcast journalism major and daughter of Demetrio and Norma Carrasco of Hart, graduate of Hart High School, first-year member of the squad. Student Council president; National Honor Society; UCA All-Star Cheerleader; Honors graduate; Who’s Who Among American High School Students; participated in cheerleading, golf, cross country, track and One-Act play in high school. |
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Jaytaun Hawkins, 18, freshman undecided major and daughter of William and Latundra Shelby of Lamesa, graduate of Lamesa High School, first-year member of the squad. Homecoming court; Prom Queen; participated in cheerleading, basketball and volleyball in high school. |
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Steffi Norman, 18, freshman history major and daughter of Kim and Rhonda Norman of Post, graduate of Post High School, first-year member of the squad. Student Council; National Honor Society; Football Sweetheart nominee; Class Favorite; NCA All-American; All-District softball; District tennis champ; Who’s Who Among American High School Students; Tennis MVP, Honor Graduate; participated in softball, tennis, golf, powerlifting, basketball and cheerleading in high school; active in Baptist Student Ministry. |
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Bailey Rose, 17, freshman nursing major and daughter of Belinda Rose and the late Bert Rose of Whiteface, graduate of Whiteface High School, first-year member of the squad. UCA All-Star; All-District basketball; Class representative; Class Favorite; Presidential Academic Award; Honor graduate; participated in basketball, track, cross country and cheerleading in high school. |
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Kristen Vela, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Danny and Norma Vela of Brownfield, graduate of Meadow High School, first-year member of the squad. Outstanding Senior Girl, National Honor Society; Student Council president; FCCLA parliamentary team president; One-Act play; UIL Prose and Feature Writing; participated in cheerleading, cross country, basketball, track and tennis in high school. |
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Stacie Wirmel, 18, freshman sports broadcasting major and daughter of Terry and Beckie Wirmel of Iowa Park, graduate of Iowa Park High School, first-year member of the squad. National Cheerleader Association (NCA) All-American Mascot; Prop Artist Award. Participated in cheerleading in high school; Involved with SPC TV. |
South Plains College cheerleaders dress up in their best 1950's attire during their summer cheerleading camp. SPC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this school year.
SPC Cheerleading
SPC cheerleading allows members a scholarship opportunity while serving as leaders and promoters of school spirit. The SPC cheerleading program is recognized throughout the South Plains. The program is designed to provide squad members with a positive environment to promote cheerleading skill and school spirit. The program emphasizes positive values, responsibility and dedication. SPC cheerleaders are campus leaders who serve as public ambassadors for the college. Under the direction of a dedicated cheerleading sponsor, the squad is expected to be above average in all areas of conduct.
Cheerleading Requirements
1. Must be a full-time student at South Plains College.
2. Must be enrolled in the cheerleading class that meets four times a week.
3. Must maintain a 2.50 GPA each semester while on the squad.
4. Required to attend all games.
5. Maintain a positive attitude.
6. May be randomly drug tested throughout the year.
7. Show good sportsmanship.
Cheerleading Scholarship
SPC offers twelve $2,000 cheerleading scholarships. The cheerleaders are chosen by a selection panel after participating in a cheerleading workshop. Incoming male and female freshmen are eligible to try out along with current SPC students. Along with the scholarship, the school furnishes the cheerleaders with all uniforms, shoes, poms, warmups and travel bags. The school also pays all expenses to summer cheerleading camp.
Cheerleading Objectives
1. To make a serious commitment to academics.
2. To develop effective time managment strategies.
3. To develop physical skills and to learn about personal conditioning, good health habits and safety.
4. To develop self-esteem, self-confidence and teamwork.
5. To develop social skills through cooperation, commitment and leadership.
For More Information
To get more information about the cheerleading program at South Plains College and general application to the school, please write or contact:
SPC Cheerleading Program Sponsor
South Plains College
1401 S. College Ave.
Levelland, TX 79336-6595
Telephone: (806) 894-9611 Ext. 2221
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