By Chris Cox 

Spunky and full of zest. That is how Conway Springs cheer coach Emily Yoder describes this year’s squad. 

“Last year we only had four girls,” says Yoder. “This year we have a full squad and it’s a completely different dynamic. I haven’t had to teach as much because of our returners, and we’ve been able to relax a bit in some areas. That’s allowed their personalities to shine through. We have several girls that are so goofy and keep the environment positive and fun. When they perform or do sideline cheers, you can see that excitement and their zest for cheerleading come through.”

Conway Springs has an experienced roster. Four of the seven cheerleaders are seniors and all four bring something different to the team. 

“Allyson Lange is the life of the party,” says Yoder. “She’s also in all of the sports so she brings a more athletic tone to the team. She is really treating it as the sport that it is. Emma Zoglmann has done cheer all four years and is kind of like the O.G. The girls look to her when they have questions and she’s kind of like the momma bear. Cassidy Beal is only in her second year cheering, but she motivates the other girls and shows them that hard work does pay off. She got several awards at our camp and is being recruited by some colleges. Our fourth senior, Rosalyn Zoglmann, also brings a light to the team. She keeps things fun while working hard. She is really good at building relationships on the team.”

One thing Yoder has been excited to see from this year’s team, is the self-recognition that they are athletes and not just the girls cheering on the team from the sidelines.

“After camp this summer, they started to see themselves as athletes,” says Yoder. “They realized this takes endurance and this takes working out and conditioning outside of our practices. It’s been fun because them recognizing themselves as athletes has emboldened them and allowed them to truly believe and see all that they are capable of. It’s been awesome to see and it’s really boosted their confidence. They have worked so hard and have just come so far.”

The Conway Springs cheer squad includes Cassidy Beal (Sr.), Allyson Lange (Sr.), Emma Zoglmann (Sr.), Rosalyn Zoglmann (Sr.), Hannah Zoglmann (Jr.), Julia Zoglmann (So.), Jan Stuhlsatz (Fr.)