Middle school cheerleading squad formed through Lovell Rec

For what is believed to be the first time in school history, there are cheerleaders supporting Lovell Middle School sports teams on the sidelines, exhorting fans and performing routines on the floor.

The LMS cheer squad was formed recently through the Lovell Recreation District with a goal of not only providing support but teaching fundamentals necessary to cheer at the high school level.

The squad is coached by Kasi Asay and Miranda Wambeke and is the brainchild of Lovell Rec Director Kristine Henley, along with the two coaches.

“Paige (daughter) is in sixth grade, and we were trying to find something for sixth graders to do until they can play sports,” Asay said. “It’s also a good way to introduce them to the sport so they have a good idea of the fundamentals going into high school.

“The high school coach, Nicole Hendershot, gave us some pointers on what she would like her girls coming into high school to know, so we’ve been touching on those.”

Wambeke said the pointers include smiling, cheering with confidence, moving hands and feet at the same time, being light on their feet, moving on the balls of the feet, having strong arm movements, pointing toes on kicks and being able to perform tumbling and stunts.

“There are 12 girls on the team, and we hope to get a few more now that girls basketball is over,” Asay said. “We’re hoping to keep the program and grow the program and get more interest in the years to come.”

All skill levels are included on the team, Asay and Wambeke said. Some kids who have been in gymnastics are more advanced, and for others it’s their first structured sport.

“Some are starting at ground zero, but all of them are helping each other out,” Asay noted.

Lovell Recreation is also starting a dance program in January with the recent end of the Lovell Dance Academy, and registration is now open.

“We decided to continue that program,” Henley said.

The dance program will be similar in nature to the cheer program, and the two will build off of each other, she said.

The cost of the two programs are $20 per month for the cheer program and $25 for the dance program. Students can sign up on the Lovell Rec website.

“Everyone has been super supportive,” Asay said, “coaches, teachers, administrators. It’s been really nice to see everyone so supportive of the program. And the girls feel it.”

“Mr. (William) Hiser (principal) and Chris Edwards (athletic director) have been amazing,” Henley added.

The new team will cheer through the end of the middle school boys basketball program, and Asay said there may be a camp offered this summer.