Alta High School - Accipitor Yearbook (Sandy, UT)

Page 66 text:

J.V. Squad Goes Coed It was a year of firsts for both the Sophomore and J.V. spiritleaders. Probably the most noticable change was the appearance of Alta’s first male cheerleader. Mark Run- yan was the first to break the all female standard and clear the way for future male spirit- leaders. At first it was hard for them to get used to, but the Junior Varsity squad soon found out it was not much dif- ferent and most students agreed it was time to have guy cheerleaders, because most other valley schools were made up of both sexes. Due to the large amount of girls who tried out. and several mix ups in the eligibility re- quirements. the sophomore squad was increased to eight girls rather than the usual six. “Working with eight of us makes it easier to build bigger pyramids and perform more complex routines, but with more girls, things sometimes got out of hand.” said head cheerleader, Stacy Dana. Aside from the frequent goof- ing off, they did plenty of cheering and competed in several competitions, includ- ing the Rocky Mountain Re- gionals. where they placed first in the Junior Varsity So- phomore division and earned the right to compete in Florida. Cheering their team on to victory, the J.V. cheerleaders enjoyed the sup- port of the first male cheerleader. Mark Runyan. J.V. CHEERLEADERS: Row 1: Glo- ria Steeneck. Stephanie Hogan. Mark Runyan Row 2: Kim Milne. Marji Sutherland. Michelle Anderegg 62 ■ Spirit Leaders Displaying their ability to balance themselves in perfect form during pyra- mids. Jodi Smith checked to make sure everyone was in position.

Page 65 text:

] Superiority Is Their Cry 1 more ‘head cheerleaders” called ‘co-captains’. The change al- lowed more girls to experience leadership and help with the planning and decision making. Taking a braak, The spiritleaders dis- cuss their next cheer Flexibility and steadiness were re- quired to build this flashy half-time pyra- mid Slick pyramids were one of the main reasons for their superiority. The traditional kickoff cheer was always popular with the crowd. Precision, accuracy, and professionalism have been the reputed attributes of Alta’s varsity cheerleaders and song- leaders from day one. and as usual the spiritleaders lived up to expectations. Attendance at training camps, determina- tion. and practice throughout the summer made the cheers and songs a much appreciat- ed asset during the sport sea- sons. In November they com- peted in the Rocky Mountain Regional Competition at the University of Utah, and for the second time, they placed first, qualifying for national compe- tition in Florida. Despite the tragic death of Robin Clarke late in the summer, they pulled together and became a com- plete success. One factor af- fecting their performance may. have been the addition to two Spiritlaadara ■ 61

Page 67 text:

Entertaining the crowd while keeping their bal ance. the cheerleaders sup- port the football team as well as Michell Andregg Preparing to support the J. V. team with cheers and a sign. Stephanie Ho- gan made sure Marji Sutherland didn't miss out on any action SOPHOMORE CHEERLEADERS. Row 1: Meg Morrison. Cristy Homker. Diane LaFever. Stacy Dana Row 2: Amy Edwards. Lisa Bramch. Jody Smith. Kelli O Niel Spirit Leaders 63