Different but the same.
Iola High seniors Lisa McFadden and Kylee Classen have different reasons for signing letters of intent to participate on Allen Community College’s spirit squad next year. They also have the same reason.
“I love it.”
McFadden and Classen signed to be cheerleaders at ACC during a ceremony at the community college a week ago.
“We’re excited to have Lisa and Kylee coming into our program. It’s always great to have local girls on our squads,” said Mindy Covey, Allen’s cheer and dance coach.
Covey knows. She came out of Marmaton Valley High School in Moran and was a member of the ACC dance team for two years. She returned to take the coaching position in 2008.
“Both of these girls have a lot of energy and exhibit good work ethics,” Covey said.
McFadden tried out several times for the Iola High cheer squad but didn’t make it until her senior season. She was on the sidelines during football season but didn’t cheer during basketball season because she was a member of the Fillies’ basketball team.
“I studied dance when I was younger and I really wanted to be a cheerleader. This year I got on the squad and enjoyed it so much. I contacted Coach Covey and had a tryout,” McFadden said.
McFadden is participating in gymnastics this spring to improve her skills. “My back hand- spring isn’t the best yet,” she said. “It’s hard work and I’d like to improve on my skills to pursue a cheerleading spot at a four-year school later.”
McFadden is the daughter of Jacque Ensminger and Jack McFadden, both of Iola. She plans to major in nursing.
Classen has been cheering since she was in fifth grade but was not on the Iola High squad as a junior or senior.
“I missed it and wanted to get back to cheer so I contacted Allen’s coach and tried out,” Classen said.
Classen is the daughter of Andrew and Sonja Classen of Iola. She is majoring in veterinarian technician. After ACCC, she plans to go to Kansas State University in Manhattan to become a veterinarian.
