Cheerleading tryouts taking place

Women and men gathered in the Christianson Gymnasium to showcase their skills in hopes of being selected for the North Idaho College Cheerleading team on Thursday, September 1st. This was their second tryout for the 2016-1017 season.

Coach, Cassie Motely, shared what she is looking for when auditioning new athletes.

“I’m looking for an excited and enthusiastic attitude. Someone who can pump up the crowd,” Motely said.

Motley explained how athletic ability and experienced skills are preferred, but not required.

“I’m looking for someone who looks like they are trainable,” she said.

Veteran cheerleaders shared that it is not only the athleticism that counts when it comes to representing the Cardinals, but character and personality.

“Being a role-model for the little girls watching you on the sidelines, keeping a good name and doing your best to always be improving yourself,” are other qualities Savannah Mendenhall listed when asked about her role as an NIC cheerleader.

“You have to make sure you’re representing not only yourself, but your team and NIC,” said cheerleader, Ashley Baker.

Bailey Powell, Ashley Baker, Nalani Pimienta, and Savannah Mendenhall are all veteran cheerleaders at NIC.

Morgan Nichols holds flyer, Hayley Kaiser in a “cupie” during warmups before tryouts Thursday night.