The Collegian

Issue date: 9/23/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Suzanne Franco The cheer team posing by the Budd fountain.

This season's football and basketball games are going to get more exciting as Delta's cheer team takes to the sidelines to lead the crowd in school spirit.

"The team is extremely enthusiastic about increasing student interest in this year's football and basketball seasons," said Suzanne Franco, coach of the cheer team. "They are constantly working on advancing their stunting skills and bringing a solid program to Delta."

The cheerleaders have been so dedicated to increasing the difficulty of their stunts that one team member broke her wrist and another ended up with a severe ankle sprain.

Still, the team of 14 lead by Captain Jennifer Blandino and Co-captain Tianna Burse have continued to work hard as one strong unit. Franco has been very proud of the team's dedication.

"It has been an extremely rewarding experience working with such positive and hardworking individuals," she said

The cheer team got their first chance to perform in front of a crowd during a football game on Sept. 3, a road game against the Modesto Junior College Pirates.

"It's always nerve racking when you take the field for the first time. You aren't sure if you have enough material. Will the stunts stick? Is someone going to freeze?" said Franco. "They did an awesome job and had a really great time supporting the team."

One week later, they got to perform in front of the home crowd at Delta. For now, they will only be able to attend home games due to the costs of transportation. Pizza nights, upcoming fundraisers for the cheer team, will be held at Straw Hat Pizza. No dates have set, but the cheer team will passing out flyers for upcoming fundraising events.

The Athletic Department is currently scheduling a homecoming game on Oct. 22.

"It will be the first homecoming game in sometime," said an enthusiastic Franco. "It's exciting to participate in this upcoming event."

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