When the members of the Donegal Indians junior high cheer team perform, they're doing much more than cheering, said head coach Kellye Herbert. "Cheer is a great sport to get involved in, because not only does it foster camaraderie, but it also challenges each cheerleader to their fullest mentally and physically," she explained, adding, "and somehow they end up performing so that it looks easy."

The 16-member team just wrapped up a successful season, including placing well in four non-PIAA competitions. "Starting in November, we attended the Big Blue Battle at Manheim Township, taking first place," Herbert noted. "Again in November, we attended the Exeter Eagles Cheer Challenge and took second place." In January, the team participated in the Dallastown Showdown, placing second, and it finished out the season with a second-place finish at Fire and Ice, held at Spooky Nook Sports.

While the team of seventh- and eighth-graders cheers for Donegal football and soccer in the fall and basketball and wrestling in the winter, participating in competitions was a new activity Herbert implemented this year. Although the competitions were new to the team members, they met the challenge, she said. "This team is (now) no stranger to tough competitions, facing up to five or more teams at some of the competitions," she remarked. "I couldn't be more proud of their grit and grace."

Herbert also emphasized the idea of community service with the team, noting that giving back to the community helps the team members see the results of their efforts beyond a sporting event. "We look forward to some trash cleanups in our local parks this spring," Herbert stated.

The junior high cheer program, along with the varsity team, will hold a mini camp for students in kindergarten through grade six this spring, and Herbert encourages anyone with an interest in the sport to attend. More information about the mini camp will be going out to students in all kindergarten through grade six buildings in the district.

Tryouts for the 2023-24 junior high team will be held later this month. A cheerleading clinic will be offered from Monday, March 27, through Wednesday, March 29, so the cheerleaders can learn the material, and then tryouts will be held on Saturday, April 1. Information on tryouts, including a registration packet, will be sent out through Donegal Junior High, but any questions about the cheer team may be addressed to Frank Hawkins, Donegal athletic director, at frank.hawkins@donegalsd.org.