Eleven cheerleaders selected for 2007-2008

by Brant Thurmond, staff writer

Eleven young women were recently selected as Texan Cheerleaders for 2007-08 school year after the tryouts were held at South Plains College.

Twenty-three young women went through the clinic on March 31 and tryout on April 1, with 11 having high enough scores to make the squad. The contestants used the Saturday clinic to learn a cheer and dance that they had to perform for the judges.

The squad will include three veterans and eight newcomers. Returning to the squad will be Abilou Kirk of Idalou, Jodi Owens of Colorado City and Trisha Robertson of Farwell.

Newcomers to the squad will include Amanda Berry of Post, Yvette Carrasco of Hart, Kadie Cerda of Crowell, Jaytaun Hawkins of Lamesa, Betty Jones of Smyer, Raniece Knighten of Lubbock, Steffi Norman of Post and Kristen Vela of Brownfield.

The SPC Texan Cheerleaders have continued a reputation of excellence in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference for their dynamite choreography, athletic stunts, and energetic cheers.

“Many of the squad’s successes can be attributed to private AmeriCheer camp they have attended for the past five summers.” Said Linda McCulloch, director of the Texan Cheerleaders. “This camp 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,” said McCulloch said. “The strong relationship among the team helps them to better promote SPC spirit and makes them more effective as a team.”

This year marks McCulloch’s eighth year as the director of the cheerleaders. 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.”

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 does half the squad serve as Campus Ambassadors, but the squad also participates in community service events such as Take a Child to the Game Night and the Angel Tree project. The girls also help present awards and sell t-shirts at many SPC athletic events.