Grand Gator Bowl Trip for PWCS Students
February 25, 2010

Gar-Field High School cheerleaders returned from Jacksonville, Florida on January 2 after spending the week there preparing for their Gator Bowl performance on New Year’s Day. More than 230 cheerleaders from across the country performed in the halftime show on January 1 in the contest between West Virginia and Florida State.

Thirty-one Gar-Field students traveled with school faculty members, including cheerleading head coach and teacher on administrative assignment, Nikia Hovey; Regina Nash, assistant principal; and Rudy Zimmerman, athletic director. Hovey said she received a call from Bowl Games of America in the spring requesting that Gar-Field’s cheerleading team participate in the Gator Bowl. During the trip, the Gar-Field cheer team was invited to return next year for another performance.

“The team was so thrilled to get the chance to perform during this event. They sold football ads and requested sponsorship from community members, family, and friends to raise funds for their trip,” said Hovey. “We are so thankful to our supporters and to the Gar-Field administration and faculty, PWCS central office, county supervisors, and School Board members for their support!”

Assistant cheerleading coaches are Shannon Calkins, Ashley DeMartinis, Angellica Lattimore, and Jennifer Steele.

“The anticipation and excitement of performing in front of more than 84,000 spectators during the halftime performance was exhilarating,” said Junior Captain Kara Maniquis. But what made it most memorable was to spend this incredible experience with the Gar-field cheer family.”