Give a cheer! NMCC grad is part of top collegiate squad

Ben Stricklin, a 2003 graduate of New Madrid County Central High School, competes with his Northwest Missouri State cheerleading team members Jan. 16 at the UCA Nationals at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla. The Division II team claimed the Maryville university's first national championship. (Submitted Photo)

NMSU group places first at national event

leonnah@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- Ben Stricklin never gave cheerleading a second's thought in high school.

But that all changed one day during his junior year at Southeast Missouri State University when his roommate -- who was a cheerleader -- asked Stricklin to pick him up after practice.

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