When Liz Smith’s daughters told her they wanted to be on a cheer squad, Smith weighed her options.
The girls, students at Mount Markham Elementary School, could be part of a neighboring Pop Warner cheer squad. Or, Smith could rally other people to restore Pop Warner to the Mount Markham area.
She found other parents who wanted to bring back the youth organization, which ended after the 2019 season. So this fall Mount Markham kids will again be able to cheer and play football in their own community again.
Smith is president of the Mount Markham Pop Warner Association. Courtney Raymond is vice president, Kelly Major treasurer, Heather Mizerak coordinator for cheer, and Cole Williams football coordinator.
Mount Markham has rejoined the Tri-Valley Association. The officials said they believe there will be enough kids to field football and cheer squads from flag to U8, U10 and U12. Pop Warner now allows all kids to play football regardless of weight, playing in their age category.
Interest is so great that Mizerak said there might even be a mini-cheer squad of 3 and 4 year olds. Mount Markham can also take in kids in any school district, such as Richfield Springs, Edmeston and Brookfield, that doesn’t have its own Pop Warner organization.
“We’ve had success at varsity level and the modified team had a very good season,’’ Smith said. “Kids are excited to play for Mount Markham again.’’
Signups will start April 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mount Markham Elementary School. Pop Warner will…
Comments