JC cheerleaders carry on spirit of the 4th (07/02/03)

PORTLAND — The Jay County cheerleaders are the epitome of exactly what the Jay County Fourth of July Celebration is supposed to be.

Started during an economic drought in the early 1980s, the celebration was designed as a free event to promote community unity. With their 15-plus years working the dunk tank waters, the JCHS cheerleaders continue to be one of the groups which exude that spirit.

Even though the cheerleaders participate in a variety camps and competitions throughout the year — including a trip to the Universal Cheerleader Association camp at the University of Kentucky July 11-14 — the dunk tank for the most part is not a fundraiser. Instead, most of the money generated by soaking the girls is fed right back to the event organizers.

“We hope that we can give $200 to $300 back to the Fourth of July committee,” said JCHS cheer coach Mindy Weaver, who added that good years have brought in close to $500. “It all depends on the weather.”

Originally, Weaver said, the committee suggested an even split of all the dollars earned, but the cheerleaders began to give more and more back. They now keep only $100 to cover their entry fee into the Indiana State Fair competition.

By all accounts, that money is well spent, as the Patriots have returned from the fair with five championships and seven runner-up finishes. Jay County placed sixth last year after second-place efforts in 2000 and 2001.

Weaver was candid when asked why she and her girls continue to brave the waters year after year.

“After cold years, we sometimes say, ‘why are we still doing this,’” she said. “(But), on nice years people stop by. It’s a community activity and you start to visit (with friends).

“We attract lots of little kids. They think it’s fun to put a cheerleader in the water.”

“People look for us every year,” said senior Rachel McKee. “They know we’re out there.”

The dunk tank has brought some interesting moments over the years, in addition to the normal drops into the water.

The old dunk tank was a cumbersome device to say the least. The seat was nothing more than a wooden board covered with carpet, and the drop to the H20 was much further than in current tanks.

Also, in the years before the Jay County Fairgrounds were fully paved, a days worth of sloshing water could become a problem. It would leave the area a sloppy mess, which prompted Weaver to bring plastics tarps to protect the ground in the following years.

“For a while, it was a mud pit,” said Weaver. “Some years its been an adventure just getting through the day.”

But still, one of the best cheerleading squads in the state keeps coming back. And, they seem to enjoy what they do.

“I like seeing the kids faces when they run up and push the button when they’re not supposed to,” said McKee. “They get sneaky at those fairgrounds.”

“Little kids look up to us and think we’re cool,” added fellow senior Kayla Smith. “And, we’re giving back to the community.”

And it’s not just the girls who have sat atop the precarious perch. Weaver and coaches Jenni Stout and Andrea Oswalt — who also got dunked during her cheerleading days — have also taken to the perch.

“I always come prepared,” Weaver said.

As should those seeking entertainment at the Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July. Come ready with a dollar and an accurate arm and you’ll get to give a cheerleader — or a coach — a chilly bath.

“We don’t make a whole lot of money,” said Weaver, “but it’s our contribution to the community.”[[In-content Ad]]