GREENVILLE, Pa. (April 8, 2010) – Thiel College Director of Athletics Jack Leipheimer has announced the appointment of Arikka D. Fears (pronounced ah-REE-ka) to the position of Spirit Coordinator.  Fears' primary responsibilities will be to oversee the Tomcats' competitive Cheer and Dance programs.

“We are very pleased to have Arikka joining our athletic department,” said Leipheimer.  “Not only does she possess outstanding knowledge on the technical side of the sports especially with regards to safety, she understands and embraces the philosophy and vision of Thiel College, and will be a positive role model for our student-athletes.”

Fears arrives at Thiel after a four-year stint at West Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas, where she taught dance and served as the coordinator of the school's dance team.  She also had responsibility for the freshman and junior varsity cheerleading squads.

“I'm so excited about working with the spirit teams at Thiel College,” said Fears.  “This year will come with new challenges, electrifying performances and soaring opportunities for the teams.  I'm ready to get started and elevate the Tomcat spirit in Greenville.  With the energy I'm predicting, I would not want to miss a game!”
 
 She currently serves as an instructor and judge with the Universal Dance Association and the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA), roles she has filled since 2006 and 2001, respectively.

The UDA named Fears its Head Instructor of the Year in 2004 and she was also recognized as the 2009 American Dance/Drill Team Outstanding Director.

Fears also brings a variety of professional experience to her new position, most notably her work from 2003-05 as a Dallas Sidekick Sizzle Dancer, which included hip hop, pom and dance performance.

A 2005 graduate of Texas Woman's University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, Fears also holds a secondary teaching certificate in dance from the University of North Texas.