Cat Andersen/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Since we first aired our story about the Arsenal Tech cheerleading squad overcoming one obstacle after another, making it to nationals but not being able to pay for the trip, Hoosiers have stepped up.
The Arsenal Tech cheerleading squad won't forget the moment they learned that they would be going to the nationals.
"It sets a goal for the kids and people in the community. When there are opportunities available people tend to strive more. It just gives us an opportunity to get involved and show that people care," said Angie Hicks, Angie's List founder.
Lots of people care. Stacks of letters have been pouring in every day offering $25 here or $1,000 there. It's their Cinderella story that's captured hearts.
They practice in a storage room, dodging poles and ducking their heads during stunts.
"We've had rolled ankles, dislocated thumbs," said Coach Dustin Wyman.
They can't afford mats or uniforms that match. At competitions they've felt second class, but they made it to the top spot anyway.
"After all the bad stories I see on the news every night it was nice to see a feel good story. It makes you feel good," said Chip Roth, ESCO Communications Inc. president.
Roth wrote a check for $10,000 to cover mats and meals. Pearls & Ivy Catering offered to cook a fundraising dinner for 1,400 people.
"It keeps them off the streets and out of trouble. They'll tell you that. It just hit me so hard. I knew I had to do something," said Heidi Dennis, Pearls & Ivy Catering.
Now that they're definitely going to the nationals, they've set their goals beyond a cheerleading competition.
"I never really thought about going to college before but now I have something to look forward to," said Michael Thurman, cheerleader.
"I don't have to go into the military just for the money. I can actually go to college on a scholarship," said April Paniagua, cheerleader.
It all started with their coach who got them this far.
"I saved money for a house, for a down payment on a house, and put all that money toward cheerleading, to start a trend that I know is going to keep going that will last for years so it doesn't matter if I'm here or not," said Wyman.
Wyman has brain cancer, and he explains his situation in these terms:
"We have aneurysms and then there's brain tumors. They're cancerous. And to fix the aneurysms you have to cut the head open. If you cut the head open the cancer will spread and you will die. To do radiation or chemo it will weaken my body to the point where the aneurysms will just burst."
Wyman's only option is an experimental laser treatment. The chances of it working and him surviving is 30 percent. He's been putting off the procedure until after nationals.
"I can live forever that way. People will always remember you as the one who started it," he said, speaking of his coaching legacy.
To keep the program going beyond this season, the squad is still accepting donations. Their fundraising dinner is next Thursday night, December 16th, at Arsenal Tech.
Dinner info:
ATHS Cafeteria
Two Serves: 5:00 to 6:30 or 7:00 to 8:30
$15 per person
Garden Salad
Roasted Chicken
Meatloaf with Gravy
Baked Potato Casserole, Green Beans & Corn
Rolls, Butter, Dessert, Lemonade
Purchase Tickets from: ATHS 693-5300
Pearls & Ivy Catering 543-5122
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