By Matt Browning

The Concordia Panthers were named the Salina Area Cheer Squad of the Year. However, at Concordia, the cheer and dance teams are combined, which has formed the Spirt Squad.

“When we combine the two squads we are known as the ‘Pantherettes’ and include 21 athletes,” Concordia cheer coach Bobbie McWhorter said. “This allows our cheer squad to share athletes with dancers seamlessly and all three of our coaches to work together on both the cheer and dance side.”

Once the basketball season is over in early March, tryouts for both dance and cheer begin for the following school year. McCormick said the focus is obviously finding talent during tryouts, but there is more than just that.

“Cheerleaders have the option to cheer one or both seasons so they have the opportunity to participate in other sports and activities,” McCormick said. “We feel being a good cheerleader is more than just cheers and motions and consists of being a good student and role model for USD 333.”

The Pantherettes are instrumental in getting the school year off to a good start with a fall season-opening pep rally.

“It is important to create a fun environment that gets students and staff pumped up,” McCormick said. “We make sure to include coaches from all fall sports and activities with a game or performance, such as dance offs or relays.”

This year, there are four members of The Pantherettes: Kendalyn Allen, Cami Anderson, Bailey Buckley and Paige McWhorter.