Catching the spirit

Exuberant McCook cheerleaders. From left: Kristi Corder, Deanna Carpenter, (Kendra Bates and Marisa Gonshor behind), Jill Hansen, Ande Arterburn, Erica Reitz, Amy Wheelbarger and Lauren Pankonin.

Spirits ran as high as the mid-summer temperatures in the first-ever cheerleader competition during the Red Willow County fair July 21.

McCook Senior High cheerleaders won the contest, followed closely in the judging by the Raiders of Sidney High School and the Warriors of Arapahoe High School.

Arapahoe won the coveted "Spirit Stick," and Jill Hansen, a senior at McCook, won the "Outstanding Cheerleader" medal.

Go, fight, win! Culbertson Bear cheerleaders.

Arapahoe's Warrior cheerleaders