Squad set to inspire fans
Benjamin Urcuyo
Contributing Writer

The MCC Spirit Squad looks to improve their historic mark, a school best third place ranking at USA College Nationals earlier this year.
This summer the squad returned from camp in Santa Barbara, Calif. with top rankings.
Only a few squads out of hundreds receive the invitation to compete at USA College Nationals in Las Vegas.
“We’re hungrier after last year,” said Kristi McCann, who, like all other girls on the squad, is returning from last year’s impressive feat.
“Before last year, nobody thought of us as a contender; it feels great to prove we can compete with the best of them.”
Unlike the sports they cheer for, months of intense practice and concentration come down to only a two- to three-minute performance.
“You have a couple of minutes to perform your routine and execute it to perfection,” Michelle Nye, a 20-year-old member and nursing major, said.
“There’s not much room for error,” she added.
Cheerleading is a sport that combines dance and gymnastics.
The routines include physical work such as lifting, tossing, forming pyramids and tumbling, and must be executed with precision movements.
Like any other sport, sacrifice, dedication and teamwork are essential for success.
It’s not all about beautiful girls in short skirts.
Like all sports, cheerleading is a mental and physical challenge. Mentally, cheerleaders have to have the ability to inspire and concentrate regardless of the circumstances.
At a football game they must be able to continue smiling and cheering despite the score.
During competitions, they must continue through any mistake or injury as if nothing happened.
Concentration and the ability to inspire are two key elements for cheerleaders. This requires a unique self-confidence and mindset.
Tryouts test each member on how quickly they can learn a routine and showcase their skills. Routines are assigned just prior to performing them.
Cheerleaders perform and cheer in front of the judges and all the others who try out. This pressure is often enough for a person to quit.
Dance and cheer instructor and former MCC cheerleader, Krista Walker, thinks that what makes this squad so special is its talent.
“They’re highly motivated and work extremely well together,” Walker said.
Unique personality traits create and inspire more enthusiasm in crowds than the past.
You'll be able to see the Spirit Squad perform at a pep rally in front of the Kirk Center on Oct. 3 and at the homecoming football game at John D. Riggs Stadium Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.

Back to Top | Previous Page | Home