No Fear in McPherson, No Fear in Central Cheer

             A quick trip to a Central basketball game or a skim-through of any of the various social outlets online will make it apparent the kind of presence that Central Christian College cheerleaders have on this campus.

            Why the new and improved charisma? In addition to the coaching of Kellory Blanchard, a decorated Central cheering alum in her inaugural year as head coach at Central, the squad is now recognized as an official sport compared to the club status that it held in the past.

            “We’ve improved a lot because Kellory has high expectations for us and thrusts it on us,” stated senior cheerleader Laura Smith, who has been involved with cheer since her freshman year of high school. “The fact that we can do the stunts that we’ve been doing is really impressive to me.”

            Amidst the squad’s success, they are plagued with youth and inexperience. Some of the girls have never cheered before this year and the majority of the Central seven are underclassmen. Despite this, the group has been thriving; building community together; attempting new stunts; and leading the school in spirit.

            “I don’t want people to ever go away from a conversation from me without knowing how proud I am of this,” reported Blanchard. “I have so much gratitude for the school and for the girls.”

            Blanchard has high hopes for the team. She has set her sights on recruiting pursuits to build the team to sixteen girls and four guys in the future; a stronger focus on stunts; and cheering competitions as well as hosting cheer camps and clinics to strengthen the community aspect.

            “I used to be the girl that would make fun of the cheerleaders, like when they messed up, but now I understand that’s like missing a goal in soccer,” said Haley McMath, a sophomore flyer on the squad and first year cheerleader. “I enjoy it a lot, more than I thought I ever would.”

            Central fans can enjoy the talented stunts and amplified cheering during home games. With a renewed vigor and a bright future, the cheerleading squad is setting their sights on the remainder of the basketball season; the possibility of competition; and recruiting for next year.

by C. Philip Chase