John H Reagan High School - Spur Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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Garcia, Smith add deeper tone to squad Add two guys to a traditionally all-girl cheerleading squad and what do you get? Students attitudes ranged from critical to greatly approving. The girls on the squad felt that the guys ' strengthened ' the squad. And the guys themselves were pleased with their decision to try out. Friends and ex- cheerleaders influenced me to try out and I ' m glad I did because it was a great ex- perience and I enjoyed the exposure, com- mented varsity cheerleader Leon Smith. Leon Smith and Jesse Garcia were the first two male cheerleaders in Reagan ' s history. The 1981- ' 82 varsity cheerleaders had the unique opportunity of cheering on a district-winning football team. With this opportunity came lots of hard work. The cheerleaders attended camp at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos dur- ing the summer. They received a trophy for most improved in a novice group. The cheerleaders also attended other events such as baseball games, soccer games, track and gymnastics meet. A part of games and pep rallies that most people tend to overlook are the Spirit Managers. They are the people who set up the microphone system, the run-through sign, and the Reagan Raider banner, and generally just help out the cheerleaders. Being a Spirit Manager means working hard and having fun. When asked what the best part of being a Spirit Manager was, Dawn Lloyd joked, Everyone saying ' I want to be one of them ' but seriously, being down on the field and being a part of everything. Spirit Managers: Dennis Fletcher, Sam West, Buddy Hughes (captain), Dawn Lloyd, Jill Lmn Smith and Cynihia Brooks punk oui ' during the fight song at the Crockeii Morisey, James Matthews, Brad Hughes, and Stacey McMurray. ' punk rock ' rally. 167

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Varsity cheerletuier }esse Garcia awards the spirit stick to the Junior Faith Stont performs ' Grandioso ' while junior Mernet seniors at the Killeen pep rally. Cavil cheers into the microphone in the regional game pep rally. ■I H i JKid C «er « 2 ' er ciz (2 n Beth Benge does a hurky jump to finish off Varsity cheerleaders join together to sing the school song at Al the ' beach bum pep rally, a che a cheer. the Lanier rally. finished off with this pyramid. Freshmen K :]l Harper Timcri Hirtcll Doug H 166

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Taking home first one s with pride Dance, Dance, Dance: That ' s exactly what the Double R ' s did all year. The group was very excited about the year. They were determined to improve their reputation and image. I think the girls enjoyed being in a group where they had an opportunity to perform in front of people and represent their school on different occasions, stated Ms. Cathy Taylor, sponsor of the Dou- ble R ' s. Although the group of 35 was smaller this year than in the past, the size proved advantageous in many ways. Although I didn ' t give a set number, it was better to have a smaller size to rebuild the group, commented Ms. Taylor. We were more organized and disciplined. During football season the Double R ' s danced at every game and acted as a spirit group. In December, the group started preparing for contest, which took a lot of time and endurance. They practiced almost every day from 4-7 p.m. and also on Saturdays. Although there was a lot of time put in preparations and the girls got frustrated at times, they respected each other and shared a special closeness, remarked Ms. Taylor. Throughout the year the girls had many fund raisers, earning about $600 that went to contest fe es. That ' s what everyone looked forward to all year: Contest. We were going to shoot for sweepstakes; if not, shoot the judges, com- mented Ms. Taylor with a laugh. No, really, last year was our first year to go to contest. This year everyone wanted to achieve the very best. The Double R ' s started preparing for the Crockett Invitational in late December and attended on January 30. In prop, the girls received their first one in the history of Reagan, with second division ratings in Jazz and High Kick. As soon as they returned from Crockett, the organization started working toward East Texas State Competition on March 6. They were determined to bring up their ratings. Again they competed and received two first division ratings in Prop and Jazz, with a second division in High Kick. The officers also received a first place trophy in the officer competition. Contest was great for the girls. It gave them a chance to see other teams perform, said Ms. Taylor. It gave them competitive spirit and also a pride in their own school. Debi Tyrpak, captain of the Double R ' s, referred to contest as a lot of hard work. But it ' s nice to know the Double R ' s could pull through with ' one ' s ' . After contest, the group put more time into the Spring Show, held on March 26 and 27. This was a relaxing period for the girls. I think it was the FUN part of the year. Each dance reflected each girl ' s personality. It was more relaxing than football, or contest, said Denise Maxwell, secretary lieutenant of the Double R ' s. It was something we really wanted to do. With the year behind them, the group had nothing but fond memories of their achievements. I really loved this group. It has been so exciting to me because we have improved so much. Everyone wanted to participate more; they seemed to really care, said Ms. Taylor, I think what I ' m most happy about is that this group made it under me. In the Spring Show, Carrie McDougald and Rebec- ca Ancira perform the award-wianing chair routine. Freshman 4 r § Tern Kleincn Jeaneiie Klosowiki Billy Knoll Gloria Knowles Krnncih Kolti I imhcn Ralpb Udc: Lillian Lrc Vayne Lnnsea Darrell Uhde T.|.. Jametlenu Caria Lewis Casuadra Lewis Shane Uwis Kot, Ll) hl c, jcineiie Limon Mrl.»l, I opci |o cph Luughran Amber Lotill N M-