The Grant Union cheerleaders finish out their season with smiles. From left, Serena Pace, Kelsey Morrison, Mariah Gibson, Chloe Barker and Celine Hicks.

JOHN DAY – Grant Union cheerleaders have been firing up the crowds this season while supporting the football team.

Motivating the team and crowd are Mariah Gibson, Serena Pace, Kelsey Morrison, Chloe Barker and Celine Hicks.

Cheer coach Tasha Marciel, a Grant Union graduate, leads the team in her first year coaching.

“They’re a great group of girls, and I’m excited for next year,” she said. “I’m hoping one day we’ll go to competitions.”

Another goal she has is involving the team in service to the community.

The girls recently spent time at Valley View Assisted Living to visit with elderly residents there.

“We plan to do more volunteer work next year,” Marciel said.

Marciel was involved with cheer as a high school student, and said when she saw the cheer coach position open, she jumped at the chance.

“It’s been my dream to come back and coach the cheer team,” she said.

“I’d like to thank Jason Miller (football head coach) for his support of cheerleading and allowing us to support the football team,” she said.

Marciel said Gibson’s leadership as the sole senior this year has been helpful.

“She’s stepped up and taught me as well as the other girls, so she’s been a valuable asset.”

“All four years have been great – win or lose,” Gibson said. “Even though I’m on to bigger and better things, I’ll never forget cheering for the Prospectors.”

She said having a different coach each year was difficult at times, but added, “You have to find a way to make it work for the sport.”

Her favorite part of cheering is “the adrenaline and the emotions when you get involved and pumped up with the games,” she said.

Commenting on the tradition of the cheerleaders doing one push-up per point when touchdowns are scored, she said, “I can definitely do push-ups even better.”