Cheer squad’s sure to have fans tickled pink

[Checking in on the pro cheer world Down Under.~Sasha]

Melissa Matheson
The Penrith Press
3/10/2009

THE Pink Panthers are ready to pounce. The Panthers’ cheer squad have new uniforms, new moves and a new male member for the 2009 season.

Aaron Neich made national headlines after being on the front page of the Press when he was selected for the squad.

Watch the Panthers cheer squad auditions:

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View the photo gallery.

He said he was surprised at the attention and the pressure that comes with it.

“Everyone’s expecting to see something good,” he said. “They haven’t seen me or the way I dance.”

Squad “veteran” Katrina Lee said Aaron has brought a new dynamic to the team.

“I’m a veteran, this is my third year here,” she said. “It’s fun dancing with a guy.

“I think there’s more opportunity for more moves; last year, it wasn’t limited, it was just different.”

Team mate Ashleigh Seymour is a former Miss Teen Australia and was a member of the Parramatta Eels cheer squad before joining the Panthers.

“I took a year off last year so I’m just looking forward to getting back into it with the local team,” she said. “It’s amazing having all the crowd out there watching the game and cheering for you.”

The cheer squad is managed by Westside Performing Arts’ Laura Harrison and Jenine Wright.