2009-2010 Cheerleading Application
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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Yvette Carrasco, 19, sophomore broadcast journalism major and daughter of Demetrio and Norma Carrasco of Hart, graduate of Hart High School, second-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. At SPC she made the Dean's List, is a Campus Ambassador, a member of SPC TV 10 News and placed in the Top 5 in the Miss Caprock Pageant. |
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Steffi Norman, 19, sophomore broadcast journalism major and daughter of Kim and Rhonda Norman of Post, graduate of Post High School, second-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. At SPC she made the Dean's List, is a Campus Ambassador, a member of SPC TV 10 News and participates in intramurals. |
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Kristen Vela, 19, sophomore nursing major and daughter of Danny and Norma Vela of Brownfield, graduate of Meadow High School, second-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. At SPC she is a Campus Ambassador and part of the STAR program. |
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Miranda Adams, 18, freshman broadcasting journalism major and daughter of Mary and Jesse Adams of Petersburg, graduate of Petersburg High School, first-year member of the squad. Senior class favorite; FCCLA treasurer; A/B Honor Roll; Government Award; UIL newswriting; UIL One Act Play All-Star Cast; First runner-up in Miss Lubbock Teen USA and Best Swimsuit; District champ in tennis and track. Participated in cheerleading, cross country, tennis and track in high school. |
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Sarah Bednarz, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Glenn Bednarz and Becky Bednarz of Lubbock, graduate of Cooper High School, first-year member of the squad. 2007 Homecoming Queen; Freshman and Senior Class Favorite; Class Officer; Four-time All-American Cheerleader; Head Cheerleader; Student Council; All-District in volleyball. Participated in cheerleading, volleyball and track in high school. |
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Miranda Casas, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Margarita and Rolando Casas of Littlefield, graduate of Littlefield High School, first-year member of the squad. Two-time NCA All-American Cheerleader; Two-time UCA All-Star nominee; US National Cheerleader Achievement; Littlefield Early Risers Lions Club Queen; Homecoming Queen; Freshman and Junior Class Favorite; Cheerleader captain; Class President; Spanish Club reporter; A/B Honor Roll; Most Spirited; Best Smile; Texas State Homecoming Queen finalist; National American Miss Texas State finalist; Miss Castro County; Miss Castro County Congeniality; Miss Castro County Photogenic. Participated in cheerleading, basketball, cross country, softball, volleyball, One-Act Play and band in high school. |
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Shandira Few, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Amy Few of Roby and Jenifer Whitleseed of The Woodlands, graduate of Roby High School, first-year member of the squad. Sprinters Award; Health Award; Beauty Award; Perfect Attendance; Qualified for regionals in track and basketball; 4-H State Award; Most Outgoing Award. Participated in cheerleading, track, basketball, golf and powerlifting in high school. |
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Marina Garza, 18, freshman pre-physical therapy major and daughter of Adam and Rachael Garza of Levelland, graduate of Levelland High School, first-year member of the squad. Five-time NCA All-American; Student Council parlimentarian; National Honor Society chairman; Business Professionals of America Vice-President; Honor Graduate; Cheerleading Highest GPA Award; Cheerleader Co-Captain; Four-year Class officer. Participated in cheerleading, basketball and track in high school. At SPC she is involved in student government. |
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Paige McCain, 18, freshman pre-vet major and daughter of Leigh Ann and Gary Don McCain of Crane, graduate of Crane High School, first-year member of the squad. National Cheerleading Merit Award; National Honor Society; People to People Student Ambassador; All-District in volleyball; Crane County 4-H. Participated in cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and softball in high school. |
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Desiree Mesquias, 19, freshman education major and daughter of Irene Mesquias of Levelland and George Mesquias of Levelland, graduate of Levelland High School, first-year member of the squad. All-American Cheerleader; A/B Honor Roll; Jo Beth Parks Scholarship; Levelland Booster Club athletic scholarship. Participated in cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and softball in high school. At SPC she is involved in student government. |
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Jazmin Mojica, 19, sophomore electrical engineering major and daughter of Eugenio and Silvia Mojica of Sudan, graduate of Sudan High School, first-year member of the squad. Salutatorian; Prom Queen; Friendliest Girl; Who's Who Among American High School Students; UIL MVP; All-Region Band; FCCLA Sweetheart; UIL State Qualifier in Debate; UIL District Champion in Debate; UIL State Qualifier in Ready Writing; UIL Regional Qualifier in Editorial Writing; National Honor Society; Spanish Club president; Homecoming Queen court. Particpated in cheerleading, track, cross country and tennis in high school. At SPC she is a Campus Ambassador. |
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Lauren Pruitt, 18, freshman hotel and restaurant management major and daughter of Mark and Lori Pruitt of Whiteface, graduate of Whiteface High School, first-year member of the squad. National Honor Society; Homecoming Queen candidate; Prom Queen; Honor Roll; Trig and MOS Awards; BCIS Award. Participated in cheerleading, cross country, track and golf in high school. |
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Denika Swoopes, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Earl Swoopes of Lubbock and Cristi Swoopes of Lubbock, graduate of Lubbock High School, first-year member of the squad. Two-time UCA All-Star Cheerleader; Who's Who Among American High School Students; Honor Roll; All-Region Band; UIL Spelling; Junior Nationals Basketball Tournament 3-Point Champion. Participated in cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and track in high school. |
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Stacie Wirmel, 19, sophomore sports broadcasting major and daughter of Terry and Beckie Wirmel of Iowa Park, graduate of Iowa Park High School, second-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. |
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 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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