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The 2006-07 Cheer Squad
Huntington Cheer Squad: Working All Year Long  THE SEASON STARTED LAST SUMMER
The University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and Huntington University. That’s right; these three names go together in the same phrase because they have something in common: it's their cheer squads.
The Huntington Forester Cheer Squad participated in an annual week-long cheer clinic in Pennsylvania this past summer and had an opportunity to learn alongside some of the biggest and best college squads in the nation.
With 15 professional instructors on hand, the clinic was intense and highly demanding. Now, they’re finding how well their hard work at that clinic is paying off.
GETTING THE CROWD INTO A GAME
One thing the squad brought back was an emphasis on crowd participation at the games. They learned new cheers and stunts aimed toward generating a more enthusiastic crowd (does anybody know where we can find one of those?).
As a result, Huntington basketball fans will hear more chants in which they can (and should) get involved, such as “Defense”, “H.U.” and the “Green White” cheers from opposite sides of the gym.
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their parents which will be sold at the basketball games. You can also contact the HU Athletic Office to purchase one — what a great gift idea!
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2006?
Solicitation aside, the HU Cheer Squad has a lot of high goals set for this year. To accomplish them, they have re-vamped their program in some important ways.
One change is the practice style, which is more structured and challenging. If any little thing goes wrong, someone can end up being dropped.
"Oftentimes, people don’t realize everything that goes into cheering," explains Coach Cooper. "It is a lot of hard work and it is as physically demanding as any other sport out there. It isn’t just a show we put on or a dance we do. It is a complete sport that takes dedication."
Despite losing six members of the team this past year, Cooper says that there is more dedication than ever. The ones who are on the squad are there to stay.
Two reasons for the squad’s success are Danielle Bowman and Bethany Lynch, veterans and this year’s captains. They help with practices and make sure their teammate’s needs are met. They maintain constant communications with Coach Cooper and provide a valuable link between their Coach and the rest of the squad.
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“We aren’t as concerned about those big, impressive stunts as we are getting people involved in yelling for the team,” says Coach Candace Cooper. “We have been focusing on new material and the concept of getting the crowd involved in cheering.”
PERPETUAL PEP AND CHEER
Something else stressed at the clinic was pep, and that doesn’t come easy for one of the busiest teams on campus. Aside from Chapels, classes, and practice, the cheer squad is responsible for both men’s and women’s basketball. They cheer all home games and men’s away games (when there is no women’s home game).
Not only do they show up for games all peppy and cheery, but they bring snacks for the teams, hang up signs, decorate the locker rooms, and then try to sell products to raise money for uniforms, camps, and travel expenses.
This year the squad will be selling Huntington Athletic Cookbooks, a major project for the squad. The cookbook consists of recipes from HU athletes and
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Back: Keary Seilhamer, Bethany Lynch, Vic Jideonwo, Kristie Slane, Melissa Rice
Front: Tiffany Kreider, Danielle Ronges, Danielle Bowman
Tiffany Seiter not pictured
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