Texan Cheerleaders Ready to Wow Crowds Courtside

Joe Gonzales, sports editor

The 2005 South Plains College Texan Cheerleaders recently competed in cheer camp where they won numerous awards and an invitation to perform in the next Orange Bowl Parade.

 The cheerleaders earned eight individual blue ribbons and three team blue ribbons. The squad earned four Excellence awards at camp for jumps and overall performances.

The South Plains College Texan Cheerleaders have continued a reputation of excellence in the Western Junior College Athletics Conference for their dynamite choreography, athletic stunts 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 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,” 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 aerobatic stunts, 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 seventh 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 WJCA 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 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. 

Three cheerleaders are returning veterans while the others are new to college life.  However, the unique mixture of personalities and enthusiasm are sure to create a squad that is one of a kind. 

Dayna Stanton, 18, freshman pre-pharmacy major and daughter of Dayne and Beverley Stanton of Idalou, first-year member of the squad, two-time NCA All American Cheerleader, NCA Captain’s Award winner, National Honor Roll member, National Honor Society Secretary, Idalou High School head cheerleader, honors graduate, two-time state golf medalist and SPC Campus Ambassador. 

Lauren Moore, 18, freshman pre-physical therapy major and daughter of Robert and Debbie Moore of Sweetwater, first-year member of the squad, four-year recipient of Who’s Who Among High School Students, National Honor Society member, honors graduate, National Spanish Honor Society member, four-year member of Sweetwater High School volleyball team, UCA All-Star Cheerleader.

Kensey Henderson, 19, sophomore telecommunications major and daughter of Keno and DeAnn Henderson of Levelland, second-year member of the squad, five-year All American Cheerleader, LHS Top Cheerleader, National Honor Society member, SPC Dean’s List and SPC Campus Ambassador.

Brittnye Hurst, 18, freshman accounting major and daughter of Britt and Kenda Hurst of Levelland, first-year member of the squad, four-year recipient of Who’s Who in Chemistry and Algebra, honors graduate, National Honor Society member, member of Business Professionals of America and student council, All American Cheerleading nominee and SPC Campus Ambassador.

Amanda Roys, 20, sophomore education major and daughter of Eddie and Donna Roys of Clarendon, second-year member of the squad, SPC Dean’s List, National Honor Society member, Miss Valley High School, class officer for four years, captain of VHS cheerleading squad for two years, SPC orientation leader and SPC Campus Ambassador.

Kristin Carroll, 20, sophomore psychology major and daughter of Lynn and Keitha Carroll of Meadow, second-year member of squad, All American Cheerleader, National Honor Society member, SPC Student Government Secretary, SPC orientation leader, SPC Ski Club member and SPC Campus Ambassador. 

Brittany Roberts, 18, freshman nursing major and daughter of Cindy and Randy Roberts of Burleson, first-year member of the squad, NCA All American Cheerleading nominee, First Aid, CPR and Smart Tan certified, District Varsity Tennis Champion and received a tennis scholarship. 

Krista Havlak, 18, freshman education major and daughter of Mike and Lynn Haviak of Sterling City, first-year member of squad, All-Star Cheerleader, Who’s Who Among American Students, National Honor Society President, Class Secretary, Sterling City High School Homecoming Queen, member of SCHS basketball, volleyball, track and cross country teams, SCHS cheerleading captain and Texas State Homecoming Queen Finalist.

Scarlett Sarten, 18, freshman education major and daughter of Dwane and Janice Sarten of Lubbock, first-year member of the squad, All District Academic in Cheerleading for three years, NCA All American Cheerleading nominee, All Tournament in basketball, Outstanding Rebounder winner for 2 years, member of cheerleading, basketball, track, golf and softball teams at Cooper High School.

Amanda Salazar, 18, freshman graphic design major and daughter of Erasmo and Nancy Salazar of Lubbock, first-year member of the squad, Who’s Who Among American High School Students in sports and academics, National Honor society member, Top Gun funk dancer, LHS Pom Squad member and UCA All-American Cheerleader.