Former NHS cadet makes final cut

* Mayle one of 66 vying for Colts cheerleader spot

Fans of Northview guard should take note as a former cadet is a finalist for the 2010 Indianapolis Colts' cheerleader squad.

Mara Mayle, a 2008 Northview High School graduate, is one of 66 women to have made the final cut.

"This year, we're planning on 32 (cheerleaders)," Colts' cheerleader coordinator Theresa Pottratz said. "It's not definitely set in stone, but it will be pretty close to that.

"It varies (from year to year). It depends on different things."

Pottratz is in her fourth year as the coordinator. She said the squad has cheerleaders from across the Midwest. She added one of the finalists has been traveling back and forth from West Virginia.

Approximately 230 women tried out this year and the final night of cuts was April 22.

Pottratz said the first day of auditions took place April 10. Since then, cheerleaders have met on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three-hour practices.

The final list of cheerleaders will be determined at Plainfield High School Wednesday, May 5.

The 66 finalists will take part in the public audition, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open to the event at 7, and tickets cost $10.

Tickets are available at www.colts.com.

The final tryout is a show performed by all 66 finalists.

In addition, residents of Clay County have the opportunity to vote for the cheerleaders by going to the website and accessing the cheerleader page. From there, choose profiles of the finalists from a pull down menu and click on the profile to vote.

Mayle's picture is on the site. All the finalists have a short biography attached.

NHS Guard Instructor Ruth Ann Medworth said Mayle was always "a great performer."

"Some people, when they're on the floor, you just watch them, because they have that performance ability," Medworth said. "She was always fun to watch."