Cheerleaders Return to Defend Titles

by Justin Rudolph

The Ardmore Varsity Cheerleaders will return to the Smoky Mountain Spring Spectacular Cheerleading Competition in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on March 9 and 10 to defend their titles.

The Tiger Cheerleaders, under the direction of Dana Clem, won first place in their division, medium varsity, which is a team compiled of 13-16 members, as well as winning the Overall Grand Championship.

This year’s team of 16 girls from grades 10-12 include: Kristin Blackwell, captain; Ashley Nave, co-captain; Brittany Thurman, co-captain; Kara Faulk, Kayla Martin, Brittanee Minor, Ashley Mitchell, Emily Norton, Lauren Novack, Whitney Rolin, Brittany Scott, Rebecca Smith, Catherine Taylor, Megan Thompson, Krystal Thornton and Tarah Woodfin.

Members of the 2006-2007 Ardmore Varsity Cheerleaders include, front, from left, Kara Faulk, Brittany Thurman, Kristin Blackwell, Ashley Nave, Catherine Taylor; middle, Ashley Mitchell, Brittany Scott, Kayla Martin, Rebecca Smith; Megan Thompson, Whitney Rolin, Lauren Novack, Emily Norton, Krystal Thornton, Brittanee Minor and Tarah Woodfin.

The defending champs have been working hard five days a week to prepare for their competition. Their competition routine of music and cheer will consist of stunts, tumbling and dance.

This will be the last competition for the graduating seniors, and next year’s squad will be chosen soon after. “I hope that the girls keep working and driving themselves as we have this year, because we really want to bring home the Grand Championship again,” stated Senior and Captain Kristin Blackwell. “We really have been working hard this year and hope to end on a good note,” said Senior and Co-Captain Ashley Nave.

As the year’s end gets ever near, the five seniors are sad to see it go. “I feel like we have left a good legacy and set a good example for our underclassmen to follow,” explained their captain.