Leopold spreads valentine cheer

Leopold fans filled the stands Feb. 14 to watch the elementary junior cheer dance routine. During halftime of the game against Meadow Heights, 45 future cheerleaders took the floor in Leopold, along with seven high school cheerleaders and Leopold Wildcats mascot Wil Seiler.

Dancing to various one-hit wonders, all of the cheerleaders made their grand entrance through a Barbie box. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade began showing off their moves as the song, "Barbie Girl," started playing.

Kindergarten, first- and second-grade students danced to the next song on the playlist, "Hey Mickey." And then third- through sixth-graders danced to the song, "Catch Me I'm Falling."

To end their routine, all of the cheerleaders hopped onto their feet and danced to the music, "Best Day of My Life." They were able to incorporate several builds, back walkovers, cartwheels, splits and poses into their dance.

Junior Madison Massa, a third-year cheerleader, said she thought the dance routine went very well.

Kindergartners Melanie Eftink (from left), Kimber Hendrix and Nora Nussbaum take to the floor.Courtesy of Elise VanderMierden

"I love that the elementary girls get this amazing opportunity," Massa said. "I hope they all decide to cheer in the future and encourage others to join."