2008 Woodie Awards
Spirit squad clinic helps hopefuls prepare for tryouts on May 2
Nicole Heitmann
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: In the Spotlight
As students exercise and have fun with friends on Monday evenings, a group of girls are hard at practice learning routines in anticipation for the Spirit Squad. About 10 to 15 girls have been attending the clinics in order to get some practice in before tryouts begin.
"My biggest thought is that I want to be more involved on campus," said sophomore Kim Smith.
Smith has been attending practices in order to learn the cheers for the tryouts.
"I want to do something for the school, and the spirit squad would be a great way to be a part of our SBU community," said Smith. "Also, I will be supporting and encouraging others while I am doing what I love to do: be with people, dance and lift others up; plus it's fun."
Each girl that attends the tryouts must be able meet basic fitness standards, eligibility requirements, make a small routine and have a personal interview.
Tryouts will begin Friday, May 2 and all hopefuls must be registered with the athletic department by March 28. Girls selected for the squad will know after the final session of the process on Saturday, May 3.
Current squad members have their own reasons for being part of the group.
"I really like the fact that we get along," said junior Victoria Reed. "We set aside our differences and we work together to get the routines down."
Most students do not realize that there is a deeper purpose for the Spirit Squad than simply to cheer the athletic teams and to get the crowd excited.
"We are here to support and represent our school, but we are here to give God glory as well," said graduate and co-coach Holly Windham.
Although there might be some competition within the group, each girl's strength is factored in, and their talent used to make the routines the best they can be.
The squad is looking at new routines for next year and excited to get to work with a new bunch of girls. The squad will begin to work on the new material as soon as they select the new squad members.
One plan is to allow each girl the ability to design part of a routine and then put it all together to allow those involved with dance, tumbling and poms to get involved.
"I like how everyone has their own strengths and when we put it together we let everyone shine," said Windham.
"My biggest thought is that I want to be more involved on campus," said sophomore Kim Smith.
Smith has been attending practices in order to learn the cheers for the tryouts.
"I want to do something for the school, and the spirit squad would be a great way to be a part of our SBU community," said Smith. "Also, I will be supporting and encouraging others while I am doing what I love to do: be with people, dance and lift others up; plus it's fun."
Each girl that attends the tryouts must be able meet basic fitness standards, eligibility requirements, make a small routine and have a personal interview.
Tryouts will begin Friday, May 2 and all hopefuls must be registered with the athletic department by March 28. Girls selected for the squad will know after the final session of the process on Saturday, May 3.
Current squad members have their own reasons for being part of the group.
"I really like the fact that we get along," said junior Victoria Reed. "We set aside our differences and we work together to get the routines down."
Most students do not realize that there is a deeper purpose for the Spirit Squad than simply to cheer the athletic teams and to get the crowd excited.
"We are here to support and represent our school, but we are here to give God glory as well," said graduate and co-coach Holly Windham.
Although there might be some competition within the group, each girl's strength is factored in, and their talent used to make the routines the best they can be.
The squad is looking at new routines for next year and excited to get to work with a new bunch of girls. The squad will begin to work on the new material as soon as they select the new squad members.
One plan is to allow each girl the ability to design part of a routine and then put it all together to allow those involved with dance, tumbling and poms to get involved.
"I like how everyone has their own strengths and when we put it together we let everyone shine," said Windham.
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