“Cheer Squad Adds Fresh New Faces” was an article written in the January 16, 2001 edition of The Trend.

The Drover cheerleading squad has a whole new look this trimester with eight newcomers, a new mascot, and a new sponsor.

Newcomers include Andrea Wood, Gregg Watts, Michelle Throckmorton, Amanda Smalley, Sonya Roberts, Soria Pargali, Mariana Navas, Chelsea Lantz, and Sara Iven. They join veterans Tory Langford, Craig Hallmark, Autumn McGriff, and Jared Standridge.

Shelbi Carroll a senior at Ninnekah High School, will don the “Drover Dan” outfit. New sponsor for the group is Rori Hodges.

Langford, a sophomore communication major, said that although the newcomers are new to the squad, they are not new to the sport. All of the newcomers have cheered competitively before, she said.

“We have a lot more experience this year, and it allows us to do more stunts,” she said.

More stunts means more practice. The squad practices at least twice a week, working on different cheers, stunts, and dances.

“This year practices are more serious,” said Hallmark, a three-year veteran. “Everyone wants to work hard and to get better, but practices are still fun.”

When asked what she enjoys most about being on the squad, newcomer Wood said, “It keeps me busy, and I have made some really good friends. And it keeps me in shape so that I won’t get the ‘freshman 15.”

The squad is not participating in any competitions this year due to late tryouts, but they cheer at all home basketball games and most of the away games.