ESU cheer squad places first at competition

The Emporia State University Cheer Squad has something to yell about after recently finishing first in the Americheer Great Lakes Championship in Chicago, Ill.

ESU competed against eight other universities in the Great Lakes Region.

"We go to a competition every year," said Ben Zimmerli, cheer squad coach. "We decided to choose a bigger one this year."

The ESU Cheer Squad competed with 15 members. The squad performed a routine that they have worked on since December.

"The competition gives the squad the opportunity to work towards something," Zimmerli said. "They have the chance to really shine and show off their hard work."

The squad received a trophy and a discount to summer cheer squad camps.

Cheer Squad members and their hometowns are: Kylee Flesher, Rock Creek; Rachael Hawkins, Wellington ; Ashley Stigers, Olathe ; Nicole Harris (Captain), Emporia; Amie Mitchell, Topeka ; Megan Skeen, Blue Springs , MO ; Kristy Sutton, Manhattan; Lyndsey Balkenhol, Emporia ; Andrea Henning, Cheney; Ben Zimmerli, Kansas City, KS; John Harms (Captain), El Dorado; Nate Creed, Olathe; Dustin Ross, Independence; Matthew Chenoweth, Rose Hill; Drew Stein, Overland Park; and Aaron Koch, Bern.

AmeriCheer, Inc. is a national cheerleading and dance company that offers expert, year-round instruction to students aged three to 23. AmeriCheer attracts over 100,000 athletes and spectators to its camps and competitions.  AmeriCheer administers over 60 competitions and 200 educational summer camps each year throughout the United States.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>