By Matt Browning

The Bennington Bulldogs were selected as the Salina-area cheer squad of the month. Bennington has 12 members on its team, which is impressive for a Class 2A school.

“Because we are a smaller school and it means a lot to a smaller community, it means a lot to us,” senior captain, Avery Feil said.

Fellow senior captain, Madi Mathews, agreed with Feil that the size of the school and community make an impact on the cheer squad.

“Our numbers are smaller compared to other schools,” Mathews said. “But that makes us show even more school spirit.”

Bennington’s facilities are tight and compacted, which can lead to a great atmosphere on game nights.

“I think the game day setting is really fun,” senior captain, Kayleigh Harbaugh said. “We can pump up the game and make a neat environment.”

The Bulldogs work with the middle school cheerleaders throughout the year to help pave the way for the next group. They coordinate routines and perform them together at homecoming games.

“We love the opportunity to collaborate with junior cheer,” Mathews said. “We all get super nervous, but then we get more comfortable.”

Feil said the high school group tries to set an example for the future cheerleaders.

“The captains have worked with the junior squad to make sure they are at games,” Feil said. “We also taught them some basic stunts.”