VFW cheers on Champion Force Athletics

Sweet-Sommers VFW post 1642 held an all-you-can-eat pancake fundraiser on behalf of Champion Force Athletic cheerleading the chilly morning of Sunday, Dec. 14. Despite the coldest temperature of the year the night before, there were still some folks strong enough to brave the zero-degree temp on Sunday morning.

 

Brittany Ziemke, VFW employee, was manning the ticket table with Adlee, 8, who used to be a cheerleader. Said Ziemke, “I’m just helping out with the breakfast. This is for a good cause and it brings business to Waseca, and opportunity for young people.” She said they’d had around 30 people or so show up and noted the cold, “I bet a lot of people who would otherwise come this morning are opting to stay indoors.” 

 

There were 5 VFW volunteers in the kitchen, serving scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, bacon or sausage, Texas French toast and of course pancakes. Keira Holmgren, cheerleader, and Carol Brooks, volunteer, were pouring orange juice, water or coffee, they also took care of refills. Emily Harguth, cheerleader, was so busy cleaning up she didn’t have much time to talk, but she did stop for a photo. David Malterer explained money raised Dec. 14 is intended to help fund a trip to national competition, a level the group hopes to qualify for

during a Dec. 29 event. He added there have been a few other fundraising efforts, “Like the meat raffle, I believe there have been a few donations and those really help.”

 

Champion Force Athletics practices taking place in Waseca happen either at the Central Building or at the Intermediate school. The coach is Ashley Robbins, and assistant coach is Kristen Webber. Malterer added, “At state yesterday, there are teams 1,2,3,4 and 5.4. Teams 1 and 2 came in first place, teams 3 and 4 came in second and team 5.4 came in second place. The 5.4 team is more of an elite team for those with higher skill.”

 

The Champion Force Athletics mission statement reads: “Our mission at Champion Force Athletics is to empower youth with confidence, strength, and other life skills. Through our programs, all students gain valuable experiences focused on the positive elements of teamwork, performance, determination, and self-confidence. We believe that by maintaining affordable classes, more children and families will have the opportunity to enrich their lives.”