August 12, 1998
TC West brings home Superior Squad trophy
By Jacquie Thomas
Herald Editor
What is up with these West Cheerleaders?
This time last year, cheerleading was not high on anyone's list of things-to-do and now, one year later, it is quite simply, the best.
Rumor has it that it was the merging of several phenomenon in the late fall of '97, creating some strange new form of vivacity not before seen in this region.
A spanking new high school with a super-charged administrative staff (wherever did they find this gang of Tibaldi, Neu, Woods and Espers?), a gung-ho faculty that seemed to have no where else they'd rather be than school events, a short little dynamo, Lori Tulgestke for cheerleader coach and a support staff who's favorite attire was a pair of jeans with a 'Go West' T-shirt could be the explanation for the explosive enthusiasm now know as Traverse City West Senior High School.
The students really had no choice but to buy into this school spirit thing; and they bought in big time. The girls who became cheerleaders had never cheered before, but they were leaders; leaders on the athletic field, in the classroom and in class council.
"I asked myself, 'How can I make cheerleading a cool thing to do at West'," explained coach Lori Tulgestke. "Let's get athletes and school leaders interested. I knew Megan Wells, who was Governor of the student body, so I recruited her to come out and she, in turn, encouraged others to try out. These girls forged new ground and had a fabulous first season."
This year, the football cheerleading squad has 12 girls, 8 of which have varsity letters from other sports. The two captains, seniors Manda McHugh and Jenny Wiitala are the only two returning veterans from last year's squad.
The girls just returned from Central Michigan University's cheerleaders camp where they won the Superior Squad Trophy and were named 'Most Spirited Team' and 'Most Improved Squad'.
"Any person from TC that had been at this camp would have been so proud of our girls-they were awesome!" bragged Coach Tulgestke.
"Out of the 12 girls on our squad, 10 are new, so it really helped us get definition for our team to go to camp together," said Jenny Wiitala.
"When we went, we were this team subdivided into small groups of close friends. But at camp it all came together. We were able to define our strengths and weaknesses. We built ourselves into a team-a team that sees where we want our squad to go."
Other members of the football squad and the other sports they played are seniors Michelle Sanders; Erin Sedlacek, volleyball; Christine May, track and gymnastics; Lisa Newhouse (a basketball cheerleader), tennis and soccer; juniors Kate Howard, soccer; Shannon Wilson, track and basketball; Katherine Roe, track and gymnastics; Lindsay Hoxie, golf; Lindsay Szfranski; Jenny Nickerson, softball and Jenny Paul, track.
The configuration of the West squad will be different, due to the number of girls who participate in other sports. "We want to encourage girls and guys who are athletic to cheer, too, so we will field different teams for football and basketball," said Tulgestke.
"This way, not only do more kids get to take advantage of cheerleading, but it eliminates the conflicts for kids who want to do sports-they aren't tied into a cheerleading commitment for the entire year."
Coach Tulgestke is not new to the world of cheerleading. In addition to being a social studies teacher, she has alot of experience in cheerleading. After spending 4 years cheering at TC Central High School, she was on the squad of Alma College from 1993-97. She coached at Alma Middle School, Alma College and Ithaca High School before accepting her post at West last year.
"Overall, Lori has done an excellent job in the program; has motivated, instilled confidence and trained these girls to be good cheerleaders," said Connie McHugh, mother Manda McHugh.
" I attribute their success to her personally for the extra work and efforts she has put forth. The team is hopeful to find financing for the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade-where they've been invited. Of course, seeking funding is always a challenge for all groups!"
One way the squad will be raising money will be the Cheering Camp the team will hold on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. till Noon at West Sr. High for 1st thru 6th graders. The participants will then cheer with the varsity during the October 3 football game with Cadillac.
The varsity cheerleaders will be the coaches for the clinic and the JV squad will assist as they instruct in cheers, chants and jumps. Cost for the camp is $30.00. For more information, call Lori at 943-5213.
Jenny Wiitala summed up this new look at cheerleading. "It gives you such a positive attitude. It's this great little high you have going all the time and it alters the way you look at your day and your life. You just get used to being positive and upbeat."