A year in review...

Washburn Cheer Squad2008-2009

Kickin’ off the year... The 2008-2009 Washburn University cheerleading squad kicked off the year after spring try-outs last April. Adding nine new members to three returning veterans, the squad established a practice schedule con-sisting of three practices a week to be fol-lowed throughout the fall semester. A main goal the squad agreed to focus on improv-ing was increasing their stunting knowledge and working to enhance the builds to be more crowd appealing and advanced. The team also centralized their efforts around the new squad motto, which incorporates a sense of unity and teamwork in everything they work for. “How do we do it? TO-GETHER!”

Responsibilities: Members of the Washburn Cheer Squad are contracted for one year following the try-out date. Duties include supporting all WU athletics, either in uni-form or as a member of the student body. Cheerleaders are required to attend weekly practices and all game day events, along with maintaining a personal work-out routine. Cheerleaders will cheer for all home football and basketball games in addition to selected away games and all post-season play.

Eligibility: Each member of the squad is required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester. Each mem-ber must pass a total of 24 credit hours from the previous year and must mainatin a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. There is no weight or height limit.

Football...

Basketball...

The 2008-2009 Football squad helped cheer on the Ichabods at every home football game. Their du-ties also include getting the crowd involved, socializing with alumni and throw-ing Touchdown T-shirts and coozies throughout the game. The squad even dressed for the Pink Out game during Breast Cancer Awareness Week when an enthusiastic fan purchased t-shirts for the squad from Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

During basketball season, the Washburn Cheer Squad is required to cheer at all home games, for both the Lady Blues and the Ichabods. Though the squad does not travel during regular season play, they attend the annual Kansas City tournament at the end of regular season play, as well as any post-season play. At game time, the cheerleaders try to motivate the crowd and create crowd involvement by performing band chants, cheers, and stunt sequences throughout the games. They alos throw 3-Point T-shirts and help with half-time promotions and other activities.

The Washburn Cheerleaders wait patiently for instruction at UCA Cheerleading Camp at Missouri State University.

The Football squad builds a pyramid during a time-out.

Left: Basketball cheerleaders Melissa Kershner and Lauren Eckert base Jennie Loucks in an extended stunt during a home basketball game.

How do we do it?

TOGETHER!Interested? For more information contact:Carly DeDonder - Cheer CoachWashburn University1700 SW College AveTopeka, KS 66621(785) 221-7923E-mail: carly.dedonder@washburn.edu

2008-2009 Cheerleaders from back left to right: Bethany Whitehurst, Eilleen Mulvaney, Jennie Loucks, Lauren Eckert, Lauren Dickerson, Rachel Bouton, Kassie Blount, Hannah Abernathy, Misty Campbell and Adi Rollins.