Texas Border Business –
McAllen – On October 24, 2014, cheerleader-alumni from McAllen Memorial High School organized and attended their inaugural cheerleader reunion. Graduates from 1985 to 2013 joined to cheer the Mustangs in a 42-28 win over the McAllen High School Bulldogs.
The alumni group participated in pregame activities, such as the school’s traditional “Mustang spell out,” and were later introduced by decade. During halftime, the group performed an upbeat, high-energy dance (choreographed by alumna, Ashlee Hornbuckle) that had the crowd roaring. “A few minutes before we performed, many of us were nervous, but once the music started, we were ready,” said former Mustang cheerleader, Kristy Curl.
Another cheerleader, Becky Uribe joked and said that, because this was such a great experience, she wants the girls to perform at every home game.
All but 5 of the alumni were coached by the current cheer coach, Pete Ramirez; he joined the McAllen Memorial teaching staff during the 1990-91 school year. “We were excited to see our former classmates and make new friends but perfecting our pregame and halftime activities was most important to us,” said Jamie Brown.
Brown added that the group wanted everything to be just right for Pete. After the game, the girls presented their cheer coach with a framed copy of the photo above, complete with each girl’s signature.
Mustang fans of all ages cheered the girls along and were proud to welcome the former graduates back to their alma mater. The group hopes to organize their second reunion in 3-5 years. TBB
