By Matt Browning

The Wichita Heights cheer squad was voted the Wichita Large School Cheer Squad of the Year. The Falcons are a fixture at all football and basketball games.

Besides that, they are also performed throughout the fall and winter at various events like the Heights Cheer Show and the Valley Center Cheer Show. They also perform once a year for feeder schools to Heights so that incoming middle schoolers can see what kind of cheers they will be performing.

The process to make the team is an arduous one.

“Tryouts are held in April and we go to camp in June,” Heights cheer coach Sarina Kletecka said. “Summer practice starts two week before camp and goes all of June with July off.”

Kletecka said having a quality cheer program is vital for sporting events, because they encourage an energetic atmosphere.

“It keeps the energy of the crowd hype and it’s nice to have school spirit when your team is playing,” Kletecka said.

There are 15 cheerleaders on this year’s roster, including six seniors.

“Zoe Williams and Cyle Milum are both seniors and they are the captains of the squad,” Kletecka said. “Zoe, Cyle and Kaylee Mallette (junior) made All American during our UCA Camp, but the whole team is unique and they all bring talent to the squad.”