South Haven News

By Claire Minor

As many of you might know, on Saturday, Mar. 7th, at 10:00 a.m. JHHS Outlaw cheer tryouts took place at Caldwell Schools in Caldwell KS. There were three practices leading up to tryouts, the first and third being held at South Haven Schools, and the second at Caldwell Schools. There were a total of 51 girls that tried out from both South Haven and Caldwell, the majority from South Haven.

The qualifications for those trying out for cheerleaders were to memorize and execute two cheers, a jump of choice, and a spirit set. If you were in high school, you would have to additionally do the Outlaw Fight Song. Despite skill sets, all students trying out had to get teacher and judge evaluations which would be added to their total points. Overall, HS had to have at least 60 points to be considered and JH had to have at least 52 points to be considered for the team.

The coaches for this upcoming season are Chelsea Metzinger and Lesly Blosser for HS, and Makalyin Kuchar and Nautica Smith for JH. Many might be wondering, so I would hold off any longer.

The students who made the HS Outlaw cheer team for the 2026 season are… Khloe Meissner, Sydnie Goebel, Trista Metzinger, Carley Russell, Makenzie Callison, Kennedee Ginn, Avery Strickland, Lilian Gerstenkorn, Jessica Broyles, Evangeline Meissner, Claire Minor, and Josie Turek. Representing the HS Outlaws as Baxter the mascot is Ryleigh Rountree! 

The students who made the JH Outlaw cheer team for the 2026 season are… Addie Mendez, Brynlee Reed, Annaleigh Burden, Casey Colwell, Claire Crampton, Ellah Corderman, Madi Harris, Natalie Betzen, Josie Metzinger, Lila Kupka, Marin Crumbliss, Skylla Brown, Decatur Clink, Grace Crampton, Maddy Reed, Natalie Colwell, Landry Pond, Harper Maudlin, Presley Langford, Lyla Wiiest.

Congratulations to all who made it!

There were way more ladies that tried out this year compared to last, so the stakes were higher than ever. Every practice leading up to the tryouts was full of energy, dedication, hard work, and talent. So even though everyone didn’t make it, South Haven and Caldwell are still proud of everyone that came and gave it their best shot!

REMINDER: If you would like to stay up-to-date with the events that South Haven Schools are involved with, check out USD509 South Haven on Facebook/Instagram or https://www.usd509.org/!