WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Cheer Team In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The football field at NRHEG High School in New Richland, surrounded by a sea of corn, is home to the best cheer team in Minnesota.

The NRHEG Cheer Team's 20 members practice up to five days a week, sometimes twice per day.

"It might be a little cheesy, but we're definitely like a family," said team member Jessica Nafe. "We spend so much time together, there's weeks that I see the cheer team more than I see my own parents."

The football field lights draw people from four communities to cheer on their one team.

"I have girls that come from all four communities, from New Richland, and Hartland, and Ellendale and Geneva," said Coach Kari Buendorf.

From wrestling to track, they root on just about every Panther sport.

"We are a small town. That makes you different," she said. "We are four small towns that make one small community. But we have really big hearts."

Coach Buendorf has been leading the cheer team for 15 years. And the trophy case at NRHEG is well stocked with her team's accolades.

But the cheer team isn't limited to the field, court or track. They are goodwill ambassadors for the community, which they cheer on as well.

"They just have a lot of dedication, they have a lot of heart. They give a lot to their communities. They're involved in so much in the school. The choir, the plays, volleyball, golf, track," Buendorf said. "Some days when I'm having a bad day, they're my sunshine. They make my day better. It gives me warn feelings talking them. I about almost start crying sometimes because I'm very proud of them."

And that pride is catchy.

"I just remember it was such a big deal to get to talk to the older cheerleaders," Nafe said. "There was so much respect, and we were just in awe of them, and it's just really an honor to be one now."

Coach Buendorf also started an elementary program just last year, which will undoubtedly make the high school program even stronger.