Rugby High School cheerleaders (left to right) Rylee Kuntz, Amber Schmaltz, Holly Vetsch and Ariana Hoffart were selected to represent Rugby at a cheer camp at the University of Hawaii. The camp runs June 21-28. Submitted photo

Four Rugby Panther cheerleaders were selected to attend a college prep cheer camp at the University of Hawaii in Manoa announced Ashley Stricker, the girls’ coach.

The four cheerleaders chosen were Amber Schmaltz, Ariana Hoffart, Rylee Kuntz and Holly Vetsch. These four girls will represent North Dakota, and are all from Rugby High School.

There was a very rigorous selection process for the many girls whom applied to attend this camp. The basic requirements include being a certified team, which is the process the RHS cheer team completes every summer. It also includes a very specific Grade Point Average requirement, at least three years of varsity cheer experience, a minimum of one state title within the last two years, and the cheerleaders being involved in serving the community.

“The four girls were granted early acceptance based on the selective criteria. Once they were granted early acceptance, they went though a round of questions from the selection committee. This process covers their ability to lead, their personal goals and future plans, and is accompanied by three recommendations from teachers or community members,” said Stricker.

This summer’s camp starts on June 21 and runs through June 28. The girls will leave ND on the 20th to arrive in Honolulu by the 21st. “The camp has a pretty intense schedule,” said Stricker. “They have workouts every day which includes stunting, cheer, and dance. They also have meetings in the evenings about positive leadership, collegiate opportunities for cheer, goal setting, and team building.”

Participants will have time to visit both the Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center before returning to Rugby.

-Tribune Staff Report