Cheerleading Preview: Team is "way ahead of schedule" as first home football approaches

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College's home opener is now two days away and the cheerleaders are preparing for what could be their best season yet. 

According to second-year head coach Morgan Barnett, the team is way ahead of where they were at this point last season, which has helped boost their confidence. Though that isn't the only factor playing into DC's readiness for the year. Following the school's change from NCAA to NAIA affiliation back in July, cheerleading is officially considered a sport, whereas before it was designated as a club.

Barnett said the squad has learned nearly 100 cheers and chants, plus 35 band dances, which is a new addition this season. Heading into the second home football game last year, Barnett said they had not gotten through half of the material they know ahead of this season's home opener. 

"I'm very impressed with the want that they have," Barnett said. 

The cheerleading team is full of new faces as it includes two returners and six freshmen. Between the eight members, fans can look forward to seeing stunting and tumbling on the sideline. 

As Barnett moves further into her tenure at DC, she has big plans for the squad as she intends on practicing for competition cheer. She said towards the end of this season, the team will begin learning a competition routine with hopes of having both a sideline and competitive team next season. 

One thing Barnett is excited about this season is putting on a halftime performance at the final home game. She said she is 'pumped' for the season and can't wait for Saturday's kickoff against Judson at Justin F. Coressel Stadium.  

-JACKETS-