NewsAthleticsUpper School
Squad Proves Spirit and Embodies School Community
Oct 25, 2000 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
Spreading enthusiasm and supporting the School through exhilaration is an energetic task that Darlington varsity cheerleaders handle well with their chants, stunts, and dance routines. Their collective motions encourage the Tigers during competitions and also earn them numerous awards and recognitions.
The entire Darlington community can take satisfaction in their triumph at the Coosa Valley Fair county-wide cheerleading competition in October. Their routine and fervor earned Darlington the coveted Spirit Banner.
During the Universal Cheerleading Association’s (UCA) sponsored camp at the University of Auburn, Auburn, Ala., the varsity squad earned first place in the dance competition. Seniors Whitney Keene, Candice Wilson, and Tiffany Payne and junior Lauren Muller tried out and were named UCA all-star cheerleaders. These Tigers will travel to London where they will perform with the international UCA all-star cheerleaders during the Christmas break. Keene’s abilities were also recognized at the summer camp with an invitation to try out for the UCA cheerleading staff.
“These girls have been troopers. Having no formal leadership during the summer, Candice, Marinell (Saville, senior), and Whitney have done a great job as captains,” Riddle said.
While promoting athletic competition is the main thrust of their mission, this year the cheerleaders are acting as another means for the Lower and Upper School campuses to come together. Kandi Riddle, Lower School pre-kindergarten teacher, is the new varsity coach.
According to squad members, Riddle is dedicated to the individual as well as the team. “Not only has she helped me as a cheerleader and helped the squad, she has helped us as people, too,” Stephanie Corwin, sophomore, said. Riddle’s daily work with both ends of the Darlington student spectrum—pre-k to seniors—is not the only unusual spin to her coaching duties. In fact, Riddle has long-standing history with Jerry Sharp, Darlington athletic director. As a cheerleader at East Rome High School, Kandi Drummond Riddle, rooted for the football players and their coach, Jerry Sharp. Assistant Varsity Cheerleading Coach Amy Ware ’95, Middle School civics and math instructor, adds yet another twist to this story. During her years as a Darlington resident student, Ware cheered for the Tigers.
“This experience has allowed me to see the value of the whole Darlington community,” Riddle said.
The entire Darlington community can take satisfaction in their triumph at the Coosa Valley Fair county-wide cheerleading competition in October. Their routine and fervor earned Darlington the coveted Spirit Banner.
During the Universal Cheerleading Association’s (UCA) sponsored camp at the University of Auburn, Auburn, Ala., the varsity squad earned first place in the dance competition. Seniors Whitney Keene, Candice Wilson, and Tiffany Payne and junior Lauren Muller tried out and were named UCA all-star cheerleaders. These Tigers will travel to London where they will perform with the international UCA all-star cheerleaders during the Christmas break. Keene’s abilities were also recognized at the summer camp with an invitation to try out for the UCA cheerleading staff.
“These girls have been troopers. Having no formal leadership during the summer, Candice, Marinell (Saville, senior), and Whitney have done a great job as captains,” Riddle said.
While promoting athletic competition is the main thrust of their mission, this year the cheerleaders are acting as another means for the Lower and Upper School campuses to come together. Kandi Riddle, Lower School pre-kindergarten teacher, is the new varsity coach.
According to squad members, Riddle is dedicated to the individual as well as the team. “Not only has she helped me as a cheerleader and helped the squad, she has helped us as people, too,” Stephanie Corwin, sophomore, said. Riddle’s daily work with both ends of the Darlington student spectrum—pre-k to seniors—is not the only unusual spin to her coaching duties. In fact, Riddle has long-standing history with Jerry Sharp, Darlington athletic director. As a cheerleader at East Rome High School, Kandi Drummond Riddle, rooted for the football players and their coach, Jerry Sharp. Assistant Varsity Cheerleading Coach Amy Ware ’95, Middle School civics and math instructor, adds yet another twist to this story. During her years as a Darlington resident student, Ware cheered for the Tigers.
“This experience has allowed me to see the value of the whole Darlington community,” Riddle said.
