Firing Up the Crowd Cheerleaders Boost Team Spirit Behind every Bison victo1y on the football field and basketball court stood an energetic team of cheerleaders. Both the fall and winter cheerleaders dedicated themselves to the task of boosting team spirit and keeping Bison fans enthusiastic about the games. The cheerleaders stood by the Bisons , cheering them on to victory or raising morale when the scoreboard showed defeat. The football cheerleaders incited Bison fans ' support to fire up the team·. Led by cheerleading captain Ashley House and co-captain Kelly Cooper, the football cheerleaders had a memorable season. They held a t-shirt sale to raise funds and had a bonfire pep rally to promote students ' interest in an upcoming football game. In addition to hard work and long hours of practice, House remembered the fun that the cheerleaders had as a squad. She said Tracy Falwell entertained the cheerleaders during their lengthy bus rides to away games by singing to them. She also told of a bus ride to Oklahoma during which the bus was pulled over for speeding in a construction zone . The police officer allowed them to "slide, " provided they shout a '·boom" cheer. This scenario gave the cheerleaders many laughs throughout the season. The basketball season marked a new beginning for the winter cheerleading squad. With Kellye Gooch as the only returning member, the basketball cheerleaders had to get to know each other, as well as to learn new routines . "We 've enjoyed getting to know one another, " Holly Nichols said. Mindy Center served as captain, and Lauryn Rycll and Nichols were co-captains. In addition to being new as a cheerleading squad, the basketball cheerleaders worked with rookie coach, Jeff Morgan, to establish the "Bison Badlands. " The Badlands were a group of students who stood in the bleachers behind the opponent's basket and employed many tactics to distract the opposing team and amuse Bison fans. "This season has been a lot of fun. The fans have been ve1y enthusiastic, and that has caused us to have a great year," Kellye Gooch said . - Jamie Martin ((This season&has been a lot offun. The fans have been very enthusiqstic) and that has.caused .us to have a great year.)) Tbe jootball cbeer/eadersfire 11p the honie cmud to .fi1e/ a crucial Bison a/lack. The cheerleaders helped keep Bison.fans ·spirits high . Photo byjason Burt . Cheerleaders 266~----- Sports - Kellye Gooch, basketball cheerleader Basketba ll Chee rleaders - Front: Holly Nichols. Kellye Gooch. Back: Lauryn Rycll , Andrea Thornthwaite, Emily White. Photo by Jason Burt.
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