MHS Spirit Squad ready to cheer athletes to victory
By CHELSEA ARNHOLD
MHS Student Reporter
Marion High School Spirit Squad has been working on routines and cheers to keep the fans of Marion athletes on their toes this year.
In previous years promoting school spirit has been the responsibility of eight cheerleaders. They lead cheers to encourage athletes to hustle and work for a victory.
This year's Marion High School cheerleaders are captain Megan Whitaker, junior; co-captain Emma Parli, junior; Amy Waner, senior; Tomi McLinden, senior; Gladys Mukwindidza, senior; Nikki Moody, junior; Courtney Geis, junior; and Chelsea Arnhold, sophomore. Two alternates are Jenna Parli and Randi McCarty, both freshmen.
Last year a dance team was added. They entertained the crowds with performances of dance routines at home football and basketball games and pep rallies.
Some girls are cheerleaders as well as members of the dance team. The team is: co-captains Megan Whitaker and Tomi McLinden; Whitney Wear, sophomore; Megan Helmstead, senior; Ranae Lundgren, senior; Hannah Eis, junior; Emma Parli, Nikki Moody, Chelsea Arnhold, and Katie Whitaker, freshman.
The dance team and cheerleaders have combined into one group called the Spirit Squad. Sandy Vetter, sponsor of the cheer squad said, "I am looking forward to working with the dance team, it will be a good experience for my girls."
Cathy Whitaker, dance team sponsor, said, "I thought it would be neat to have a squad where more people could be involved. It gives more opportunities for people who enjoy dancing."
Last summer the Spirit Squad attended a private camp with Leah Arnhold, an NCA cheerleader and former cheerleader from the University of Kansas.
"The private camp was very helpful for the squad as a whole, but also a lot more one-on-one," Vetter said. Arnhold choreographed many new dances, routines, and cheers.
Captain Megan Whitaker said, "I want to try more dances this year rather what we've been doing, and use more original choreography."
Cheerleaders performed Tuesday evening at the varsity volleyball game at Chase County.
When the Marion Warriors face up against Southeast of Saline at 7 p.m. Friday at the Marion Stadium both the dancers and the cheerleaders will be present to bring on that Warrior spirit.
The cheerleaders will travel to the annual Centre volleyball tournament Saturday.
"This will be the second year for the dance team," said Ken Arnhold, principal of Marion High School, "and the fourth year for Sandy as the cheer sponsor. I think this will be a spirit-filled year. I encourage everyone to come to the ball games, not only to support the athletes, but to join the spirit squad in cheering our teams to victory."
