East Wilkes Grad Selected as Panthers Cheerleader

By Frances Hayes
JournalPatriot.com

Laken Cass, a 2009 graduate of East Wilkes High School, will be cheering for the Carolina Panthers as a TopCat Cheerleader for the 2012 season.

She is one of 24 women selected for the Carolina Panthers football team, based in Charlotte. Tryouts were held May 5-May 30 and the cheerleading squad was announced May 31.

Ms. Cass is the daughter of Mark and Michele Cass of Ronda. She is a rising senior at Liberty University and will graduate May 2013.

Needless to say Ms. Cass was thrilled when she learned she had made the Panther squad.

“Oh my goodness… I’m still kind of in shock a little. I have had this goal my whole life and it’s truly a dream come true. I’m just so blessed and excited to be able to have this amazing opportunity and be a part of a great organization,” said Ms. Cass.

Much of her life has been surrounded by cheerleading and attending football games. In fact, Ms. Cass was part of the Junior Topcats’ program for girls, ages 7-14.

“I’ve grown up on football,” said Ms. Cass. “And I’ve cheered since third grade, including four years as a varsity cheerleader at East Wilkes and all the way up to college at Liberty.”

Ms. Cass also graduated from Tonya’s Academy of Dance in 2009 after 15 years of dance training. She worked as an assistant dance instructor for Tonya’s Academy as well.

According to a news release from the Carolina Panthers, the 40 finalists were pushed harder than ever this year.

“They had to learn different routines from scratch on three consecutive nights before taking the weekend to prepare for the final audition,” said Richelle Grant, cheerleader choreographer/coordinator.

Despite Ms. Cass’ years of dance and cheering, the auditions were indeed tough.

“Auditions were probably the most intense process I have ever been though,” said Ms. Cass.

“They were a month long and were very tough. They challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally. It was one of those things that during the whole entire month you never knew if that would be your last time ever dancing,” said Ms. Cass.

Looking back, Ms. Cass said the tryouts were everything she had expected.

“I mean this is professional and the actual NFL so it’s one of those things, you have to go big or go home.

She will be cheering at every home game and is thrilled with the thought.

“Going to Bank of America is amazing. Watching a game there is so passionate and we have such amazing fans who cheer no matter what. I am so excited about what this year is going to bring,” said Ms. Cass.

Already Ms. Cass has bonded with the other cheerleaders.

“They are truly amazing. We have already connected as a family and they are like my sisters. Topcats is more than a squad we are truly a sisterhood,” said Ms. Cass.

She encourages young girls to look into the Junior Topcats.

“Girls check out the Panthers’ website for a great opportunity. Experience the Junior Topcats. I was a part of this as a little girl and look where I am today… where my mentors once stood,” said Ms. Cass.

Auditions for the Topcats are held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. There are four rounds of auditions before final selections are made.

“When evaluating contestants, we are looking for showmanship, enthusiasm, dance ability and good physical fitness,” said Ms. Grant.

Qualifications for being a Panther cheerleader include being 21; a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a pre-employment and periodic drug screen as well as satisfactorily complete a criminal and civil background check, including driving history.

Formal dance instruction is not a prerequisite, but strong dance skills and physical fitness are required.

In addition to rehearsals and performing at all home games, cheerleaders make charitable and corporate appearances.