MARCI CARRUTH • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Minnie Hernandez, Kaylene Jimenez, Audrina Lopez, Mya Williams-Gonzalez, Raeann Echols, Isabelle Anderson and Miley Canchola hope to compete in the national Pop Warner cheer competition in Orlando, Florida, on Dec, 7.
Just before Thanksgiving, Lovelock's Mustang cheer leaders received a surprising phone call. The Pop Warner judges invited them to compete in the national competition in Florida.
The past few weeks have been eventful for the group, most of whom never cheered before.
First, they placed first in the local Reno/Sparks competition on Sunday, Nov. 5.
That win qualified them for the regionals in San Jose, where they came within five points of qualifying for the nationals.
"They're a little disappointed at not qualifying but they're excited we got this far," said coach Marci Carruth. "We'll try again next year."
It turns out they won't have to wait that long.
Isabelle Anderson, 11, Lluvia (Minnie) Hernandez, 10, Audrina Lopez, 9, Miley Canchola, 11, Kaylene Jimenez, 9, Raeann Echols, 10, and Mya Williams-Gonzalez, 10, impressed the Pop Warner judges with a routine that includes dance, somersaults, cartwheels and stunts.
The judges recognized their hard work especially since the scores were so close.
They called and invited the Mustangs to compete at the 2023 Pop Warner National Championships in Orlando, Florida, on December 7.
Coaches Carruth and Kelli Anderson started fundraising right away. At press time they've almost met their goal.
"Our community is the best," said Carruth.
To donate, Venmo @Marci-Carruth or call Ruffles N Rednecks at 775-276-4982.