By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

A line of cars sat idling in the heat as the Peabody cheer team soaped, scrubbed, and sprayed cars and each other during the team’s annual fundraiser Saturday.

The girls have set their sights on defending their state title in Topeka this year. Money raised by washing cars will help take care of the team’s expenses.

“There have probably been 15 or 20 cars so far,” senior Hadley Clark said. “There have been a steady stream. It’s been very busy.”

A veteran of the squad, Hadley thinks the team has been practicing very well.

The eight-member squad practices from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Brown Gymnasium.

Members have their temperatures taken before each practice.

“When we cheer, we are all farther apart, except for stunting,” Clark said. “Otherwise we keep our distance fairly well.”

Seniors Mackenzie Eden and Kaete Johnson both plan on mastering challenging stunts and pulling off another win at state.

Their favorite is a stair step where two or more cheerleaders support a flier who stands with arms in a “high V” formation.

“It’s really appealing to the eye,” Eden said before departing to soak the fender of another car.

Coach Denae Kyle said the car wash would help the team get ready for the competition physically as well.

“Sometimes we have had four or five cars lined up,” she said. “The girls are getting their exercise.”

She hopes to have another car wash in August.

“Hopefully it’s not as hot,” she said. “Today has been pretty brutal.”