Emmie Boese
Business Manager
Having a group of people that can bring positive energy at games is always a plus whenever you are at a sporting event.
The Butler Spirit Squad is composed of 18 members and a mascot, and Head Coach Terri Rinkenbaugh lead the squad. The squad cheers at athletic events including football, basketball games and a few volleyball games this season.
They have also been involved with the Riverfest Parade, Augusta’s Homecoming Parade and the El Dorado Christmas Parade. The Spirit Squad has been involved in the cheer clinic in Augusta, Trunk or Treat at the McConnell Air Force Base and Senior Day recruitment.
The squad also received an award last semester called the Ev Kohls Student Recruitment Award for their hard work for recruitment of the squad. Because of significant recruitment, new freshmen bring different backgrounds of experience to the squad. Rinkenbaugh mentioned the improvement of this year’s squad.
“As far as accomplishments, our team is very freshmen heavy this year, and we started with very little co-ed stunting experience,” Rinkenbaugh said. “They have worked hard to gain skill and confidence in a short amount of time, and I am very proud of them.”
The Spirit Squad’s main job is to be in front of a crowd that help engage fans and athletes during games by bringing positive energy. Some cheerleaders may join the Spirit Squad because they thrive off the energy that athletic events bring. Sophomore nursing major Doreena Lucero thrives off of a crowd and an action-packed game.
“Cheering in general is just enjoyable,” Lucero said. “You always have that front row seat and the live action that not all people get to experience.”
Lucero enjoys cheering for both basketball and football, but football is her favorite.
“I enjoy cheering for football more so because I understood football better than basketball,” Lucero said. “But I don’t mind cheering for basketball either. They both are sports that get you excited.”
Freshman nursing major Kylee Leon enjoys the same energy that football games bring.
“I enjoy cheering for football the most,” Leon said. “The energy from the team and the crowd makes it much more exciting to cheer for.”
Just like any other athletic or activity scholarship, being a part of the spirit squad includes a books and tuition scholarship. A scholarship in itself is a given for Leon but that is not the only plus to being a part of the squad. Getting the opportunity to learn life skills while making memories is just as important to her.
“As for incoming students, cheer gives you an opportunity to make new friends, grow in your skills and make a lot of new memories while getting the opportunity to help pay for school and learn how to time manage more efficiently,” Leon said.
Rinkenbaugh encourages incoming students to come out for the squad even if they do not have prior experience. She wants incoming students to be able to come to some practices even if they may not be set on being a part of the squad.
“This will give them the opportunity to interact with our team and get some co-ed stunting experience prior to tryouts,” Rinkenbaugh said. “I especially encourage the guys out there to just come give it a try. If your high school sport isn’t working out for you in college, give cheer a try.”
