7 new cheerleaders join Claflin squad

Seven new cheerleaders were selected for the Claflin University squad during tryouts in August.
Coach Leslie Simpson selected the new girls to join the 21-member squad. Tryouts were held in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center.
“I am totally impressed with the amount of talent that came out this year,” Simpson said. “I have an awesome new squad, and I am excited about what my current talent will accomplish.”
Martisha Wright is one of the seven new cheerleaders.
“The week of tryouts was pretty challenging, but interesting,” she said. “When coach called my name, I immediately started to cry, and I was very much ecstatic.”
The tryouts consisted of the girls performing a cheer, two chants, a jump sequence and a dance routine that was taught throughout the week. There also was a question-and-answer portion.
The cheerleaders make their first appearance during HBCU Week.