GENTRY -- On April 2 and 3, Gentry senior Lexie Clark tried out for the 2016-17 Northeastern State University cheer squad and made the cut.
On the first day of tryouts, material was learned -- two band dances, a chant and a cheer, as well as basic stunts. On the day of tryouts, those participating started out with the tumbling portion, standing tumbling and running tumbling. After lunch, they came back and were given a group for the stunting portion of the tryout. They then performed, with their groups, the material learned the previous day.
"I am so excited and very blessed to have made the team," Clark said. "There is so much talent on the squad and I can't wait to contribute to the success of this team. I knew that whatever happened, it would be for God's plan," she said.
Clark said she chose NSU because of the community and the sense of a good, friendly campus.
"The students and staff are super nice and the history of the school is really neat. I chose NSU because they offer one of the best teaching programs," Clark said.
As one can imagine, cheering in college will be very different from cheering in high school for Clark. It is going to be a small challenge for her but she is up for it.
"I'm beyond excited about cheering in college!" Clark said. "I have always dreamed of becoming a college cheerleader since I was little. College cheer is very different and more advanced than high school cheer. I know that it will be challenging, but with hard work and determination, it will be rewarding."
Clark said other girls wishing to achieve similar cheering dreams should not give up.
"You can achieve anything when you put your faith in Christ," Clark said. "I would strongly recommend getting into tumbling classes to improve your individual skills and cardio exercise to strengthen endurance. Have a positive attitude and work on your leadership skills on and off the sidelines. Smile and have energy while cheering; no one likes to watch a pouty cheerleader. Finally, keep pushing yourself if you truly want to cheer in college. You will never achieve anything doing something halfway. You have to be committed and very open minded. Have faith in God and you will go far!"
Clark's new cheer squad, which includes Gentry alumni, Holyn Fredrick, will begin practicing in May.
Sports on 04/27/2016