The Mehlville Varsity Hockey Cheerleaders have just completed their 2002-2003 season and are the first-place winners in the Cheer and Chant division when they competed at Lindbergh High School during the annual Midstates Hockey Cheerleading Competition.

Mehlville Varsity Cheerleaders had not taken first place in this competition since 1993. These cheerleaders had tryouts last May, competing for only 15 spots on the squad. Practice started the first week of June two mornings per week. They learned more than 40 cheers for the hockey season.

In late July, they were off to Southeast Missouri State University for a three-day cheerleading camp. They learned cheers, chants, developed friendships and learned to work together as a squad.

While competing at camp the girls took first place in the Technical category for their cheer and received certificates and ribbons. As the season approached they had many fundraisers, including car washes in 104-degree temperatures to raise money for uniforms, pom, shoes, etc.

They worked very hard and showed extreme dedication. Homecoming weekend the girls prepared for the parade while spending an entire Saturday painting a old truck with lots of spirit, winning third place as they drove it through the parade.

Front row, from left, are: Casey Hoffmann, co-captain; Jessica Passmore, captain; Tara Schaefer; and Ashley Reary. Second row: Alicia Rueschoff, Angela Roberts, Nikki Sweet, Katie Buckley and Elizabeth Abram. Third row: Melissa Vessell, Melissa Heisner, Angie Shields and Jessica Nickel. Fourth row: sponsors Sharon Sweet and Diane Passmore. Not pictured: Angie Grimi.