Thursday, April 8, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 5
KU students cheer for Chiefs
By Terry Jones sports@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter
Ann-Marie Johnson, Quincy, Ill., senior; Stephanie McCarty, Kansas City, Kan., junior; and Kendra White, Wichita junior, are three of the eight KU students who are cheerleaders for the Kansas City Chiefs. The squad had tryouts March 20-21. Photo by Christine Kers/NKASAN
While many students were at play on the beach or lounging at home during spring break, eight University of Kansas students were training for the upcoming NFL season.
The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad conducted its annual tryouts on March 20-21, an event that brings out almost 200 women from around the Midwest each year. The tryouts are composed of three rigorous rounds that judge competitors on everything from public speaking to toe touches.
"Tryouts were intimidating because there are so many talented girls competing for so few spots," said Stephanie McCarty, Kansas City, Kan., junior. "But the overall feel of the tryouts was laid back. All the girls were real down to earth."
After tryouts are completed and 11-14 new women are chosen for the squad of 32, spring training begins.
The women meet three times a week for spring training, and sessions generally last anywhere from three to five hours. In addition to the scheduled training, the women on the squad are supposed to lift weights three times a week on their own.
With the amount of time being on the squad takes, the women are forced to manage their time wisely. They train more than thirty hours a week, so cheering for the Chiefs is as demanding as manual labor and as time-consuming as a full-time job.
"It can be difficult at times, especially driving to the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility and back three times a week, but if you want it bad, you'll find the motivation to do anything," McCarty said.
Though most of the sports-minded public views cheerleaders as fans with pompoms, the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad plays a vital role in the community.
In addition to more than 650 public appearances, most of which raise money for charities, the squad also organizes an annual auction.
"We not only represent the Chiefs, but we also serve as ambassadors to the community," said Ann-Marie Johnson, Quincy, Ill., senior.
Also cheering for the Chiefs this season from the University of Kansas are Elizabeth Burgess, Kiley Potter, Michelle Reiter, Kimberly Roberts and Aisha Steele.
The Chief Cheerleading Sports Auction raises money for underprivileged children in the Kansas City area. The auction generates more than $70,000 per year.
squad is focused on giving back to the fans and making a difference in the Kansas City area.
"There is a lot more to being on the squad than dancing," said Kendra White, Wichita junior. "We give a lot back to the community."
Although the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders are known for their enthusiasm on the field, much of the time they spend together as a
Edited by Kelli Raybern
"Be the change you want to see in the world."-Mahatma Gandhi
Center for Community Outreach is now accepting applications for the 1999-2000 school year for the following positions:
CO-DIRECTOR Application Due Friday, April 9th by 5:00pm in the Student Senate office,410 Kansas Union
FINANCIAL COORDINATOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR PROJECT COORDINATORS:
- Alternative Spring Break
- Campus Volunteer
- Community Internship
- Campus Volunteer
- Community Internship and Students on Board
- Concerned, Aware, & Active Students (CAAS)
Students Tutoring for Literacy
- Intergenerational
•Into the Streets Week
•Jubilee Café
•Jayhawk Connection
•Youth Student Council
•Youth Action Coalition
Applications Due Friday, April 16th by 5:00pm in the Student Senate office, 410 Kansas Union Please call the Center for Community Outreach Office at 864-4073, or email enutt@ukans.edu or chess@ukans.edu, if you have any questions. STUDENT SENATE CCO
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