Spirit Team
The Carthage Spirit Team has an outstanding tradition of promoting school spirit and supporting Carthage athletic teams. The teams are co-ed and include cheer, dance, twirl (baton and flag), and the mascot.
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Follow our social media accounts for information about events and updates from the Spirit Team. Go Firebirds!
Auditions/Tryouts
Auditions/Tryouts are held in April or May. They are open to anyone who will be a full-time Carthage student the following academic year. Cheerleaders, dancers, and mascots who make the cut are required to attend UDA dance camp/UCA mascot camp with the team in early August of that year. Those who attend camp are then members of the team for the entire academic year. Twirlers are not required to attend camp.
As a member of the Carthage Spirit Team, it is your responsibility to put forth your best effort at all engagements, maintain a sense of good sportsmanship, promote crowd involvement, enhance community spirit, and create a level of excellence to be continued through the years.
If you are interested in joining the team, contact Coach Amy Malczewski at amalczewski1@carthage.edu.
Spirit Team History
2001
Under the direction of Coach Amy Malczewski, the Dance Team was combined with the Cheerleading Team and the Torchie Mascot Team to form the Carthage College Spirit Team.
2003
The Dance Team held their first annual Spirit T-shirt fundraiser.
2004
The Dance Team participated in UDA Dance Camp for the first time.
2005
The Dance Team had their first annual Christmas Partner routine.
2006
The Spirit Team held their first annual youth dance clinic and performance.
2009
The Dance Team competed at the UPA Americup National Dance Competition in Minneapolis for the first time. The Dance Team took 5th place in the Jazz Division. The Mascot Team’s participated in UCA Mascot Camp for the first time. The Spirit Team held their first annual team 5k run/walk.
2010
The Dance Team and Mascot Team performed at the Division III NCAA Sweet Sixteen Tournament, cheering on the Men’s Basketball Team.
2011
The Dance Team competed at the UDA Chicagoland Dance Competition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Dance Team took 1st place in the Jazz Division.
2012
The Dance Team competed at the UDA Chicagoland Dance Competition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Dance Team took 1st place in both Jazz and Pom Divisions.
2013
The Dance Team competed at the UDA Chicagoland Dance Competition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Dance Team took 2nd place in Pom and 3rd in Jazz.
2015
The Dance Team competed at the UDA Chicagoland Dance Competition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Dance Team took 2nd place in Pom and 1st in Jazz.
2016
The Dance Team started their bi-annual alumni clinic and performance, with 30 alumni taking center court and wowing the fans.
2018
The Dance Team started their annual Christmas donation drive for designated alumni to help them with their chosen non-profit.
2019
A new Twirl Team is added to the Spirit program, with two baton twirlers at all home football games
2020
A new Cheer Team is added to the Spirit Team, with nine cheerleaders and Coach Julie Maher firing up crowds from the sidelines
2021
The Firebirds Spirit Team expanded to 22 dancers, 21 cheerleaders, and 6 twirlers (baton and flag) with mascots to come!
2022
The Firebirds Spirit Team welcomed Ember, our new Firebirds mascot.
2023
The Firebirds Cheer and Dance teams both qualified for NCA/NDA Nationals, with a bronze bid for the competition in April 2024!
Questions?
For more information, contact Spirit Director Amy Malczewski at amalczewski1@carthage.edu.