Cheerleaders get their own NFL Experience

Maricopa Wells cheerleaders were invited to participate in the NFL Experience Sunday where they competed in a competition and learned from the pros.

The NFL Experience holds an annual Super Bowl Spirit Clinic where 1,000 girls get the chance to partake in special events. NFL coaches and players taught the Wells’ cheerleaders the fundamentals of football, and NFL cheerleaders from Arizona and New Orleans showed the squad new chants and cheers.

Also part of the experience was a chance to meet Ciara, a singer who spoke to the girls about being “cheerleaders of life.” On the Web site for the NFL Experience, celebrity guests offer advice to the girls on staying in school, living drug free and following their dreams.

Panthers cheerleaders then competed against 14 middle schools from around the state. Wells placed tenth. Coach Angela Alksnis said she was proud of the ranking, considering the lack of time the squad had to prepare for the event.

At 4 p.m. today, the Panther’s cheerleaders will welcome the girls who participated in the free clinic held at Wells at the beginning of the school year. The junior spirit line will cheer with the Panthers during the home basketball game at 45725 W. Honeycutt Road.

File photo