Moorpark College brings spirit and excitement into its athletic department by welcoming back the Raider cheer team after an absence of ten years.

Back in 2006, Raiders cheer had a 15 member team that was disbanded, according to Kesley Stuart, Raiders cheer coach. However, Stuart reestablished the team back in June of this year after addressing the Athletic department and Associated Students in order to get the project off the ground.

Now with a roster of 14 cheerleaders, most of whom joined from the start of its comeback this past summer, Stuart sees weekly improvement in the newly-formed team.

“It has been my job as their coach to unite their differences while encouraging them to highlight their strengths,” said Stuart.

After cheering in high school and coaching on that same level, Stuart is no novice. However, coaching on a college level has been a completely new experience and one she is learning from everyday, she said.

“I had no idea the amount of work that was involved nor the commitment,” Stuart said. “But I haven’t regretted it for even a second!”

Stuart gets help from not only students with high school experience and Jordan Gershman, cheer team assistant coach, but the community as well.

Dave Kirschner, owner of Team Spirit Consultants, has also assisted in developing Raiders cheer providing exposure for the program itself.

Stuart hopes for more students to join, as well as for increased community engagement.

“My girls are truly gifted and … we are infinitely blessed by the community’s involvement and the commitment and original talent from the squad,” said Stuart.

The team provides a great opportunity for its members to form friendships, grow together as a team and become stronger-minded individuals, said Stuart.

Alyssa Burns, 21, Sociology major and member of the squad, says the team not only brings a certain excitement to collegiate sports like football, but it’s also an opportunity for the members to gain valuable connections in the community and experience working in an organization.

“I wasn’t involved on campus at all until I joined and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Burns. “I have grown really close with the girls on my team because we do so much together on and off the field.”

Kado Brown, star sophomore quarterback on the Moorpark College football team, is very thrilled to see extra spirit not only for the team, but for the school as well.

“It’s a great opportunity for those who have a passion for cheer and spreading team spirit,” said Brown. “I think it’s awesome.”

Students can obtain additional information or become a cheerleader by contacting Kelsey Stuart at [email protected] or by phone at (805) 906-1151.