LeTourneau University - Pioneer Yearbook (Longview, TX)

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The cheerleaders made sure the team felt welcome Cold weather was no hindrance as the squad came out in the fall to cheer for the when they came back onto the court after half-time. Yellowjacket soccer team. Radiant smiles showed the enthusiasm that was necessary to stir the crowd to life. The 1976-1977 cheerleading squad brought a new style of cheering to the LeTourneau College campus. Previous experience and numerous hours of practice became evident as soon as the girls appeared on the basketball court. There were new routines and formations. The most memorable stunt featured a human pyramid as its finale. New uniforms were obtained with the help of the Student Senate to replace those worn for the previous two years. During the fall semester the cheerleaders were captained by Dawn Mathiesen. As Dawn did not return for the spring term, Julie Niewald ascended to head the squad. Much time was spent in activities away from the court. Signs announcing games were made. On Valentine's Day, each player received a Valentine and a heart-shaped cake was baked for the team. On Saturday mornings before road trips the girls served breakfast. Overall, the cheerleaders concentrated on raising the spirit of both team and school. Their enthusiasm and flair provided encouragement for the team, and stirred the fire of school pride. 175

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CHEERLEADERS 'GET FIRED UP | a YS 2 ere a, Z= fe {Ss 0 Of 4 i ¢ é The 1976-1977 Cheerleaders, Bottom, L-R: Karen Jones, Brenda Busing, Julie Niewald, Supported by Captain Julie Niewald, Linda Cindy Martin, Madelyn Casement; Top, L-R: Cecelia Miller, Linda Russell, Carol Barclay. Russell mounts on top for a half-time show. 0 R — A This pyramid was one of several formations the During time-outs the girls would lead the crowd in a rousing cry of support cheerleaders used to give flair to their routines. for the team. 174

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THREE MAKE ALL-AMERICAN Dave Stoltzfus was selected as the soccer team’s MVP, as well as making NCCAA All-American. Ronnie White was on the Top Scorers chart for the NCCAA all season long, and made NCCAA All-American. 176 After stopping 201 enemy shots on goal, Keith Hibbard was named an NCCAA soccer All-American. The 1976-1977 school year featured some outstanding performances by LeTourneau College Athletes. It was an exciting year, the most dramatic moment being the capture of the NCCAA South-Region championship title. The jubilant crowd covered the field after the double over-time win. This was the high point of a long season, and LeTourneau College was proud of her team. All four of the varsity sports experienced good fan support. Even baseball, which had been cut from varsity status, but was later reinstated, had the stands filled with cheering Yellowjacket supporters. At soccer games the fans lined the Jacket side of the field to such an extent that the referees often had to make them move back. The soccer team and members of the wrestling team went to NCCAA national tournaments. There were three athletes who were selected to NCCAA All-American teams. Deserving all the praise given them were Keith Hibbard and Dave Stoltzfus in soccer, and Bonnie White in basketball. To them and all other members of LeTourneau College varsity teams: A salute and a thank-you for an exciting athletic season.