The Fort Scott Community College cheer team, for the second successive year and second time in the history of the program, has qualified for national competition.
The bid was announced by Chelsea Yount, head coach of FSCC's cheer and dance teams, after word was received earlier this week from the National Cheer Association.
"We couldn't be more excited to head back to the national stage and work for a win," Yount said. "We were able to represent Fort Scott in Florida last year and received sixth (place). And this year, we are hungry for more."
The NCA National Championship is set for April 5-9 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
"I am so proud of these athletes," Yount said of her squad. "They continue to work hard and build a competitive program. We had the experience of a lifetime last year, and it's a dream to get the opportunity to step on that mat again. Every year, our talent gets better and better; we are truly looking forward to making Fort Scott and FSCC proud."
Members of the Greyhound cheer squad are: Addey Froggatte, Allie Brewer, Ally Gonzales-Gomez, Andrea Matul, Angie Martinez, Brayden Moore, Claire Holt, Denise Barnard, Donovan Law, Emily Noll, Ethan Bittle, Gage Pugh, Haily Sheat, Hannah Merando, Haven Conner, Javontte Garrett, Josh Martin, Julia Lopez, Karlie Knechtel, Lamyjah Lewis-Kent, Lillian Easterby, Mackenzie Heuszel, Madison Warner, Malachi Kucza, Mason O'Brien, Savanna Fisher, Seth Thomas, Stephanie Matul and Xavier Kasper.
Yount is assisted by Allee Morillo.
"We want to thank all our family, friends, faculty and staff who are always there to support us," Yount said. "And a special thank you to our athletic director, Luke Demko, DeeDee Cheney and the whole athletic department for their love and support."
At Daytona Beach, the cheer team will compete in the Advanced Small Co-ed Division, performing oceanside on the bandshell in view of hundreds of spectators.
The first fundraiser for the trip is under way, said Yount.
"We currently have a fundraiser running for a $500 Visa gift card," she said. "Reach out to me or any member of the cheer/dance team for tickets."
Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five.
Contact Yount at (620) 215-3808 or chelseay@fortscott.edu for more information