An idea that has been around since the eighth grade comes true this summer for Marion seniors Lee Clark and Madison Moody. The gregarious pair of Marion cheerleaders signed last week to continue their athletic careers at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. Clark and Moody, who have cheered together since eighth grade and consider each other to be best friends, made it official at a signing ceremony in the Marion High School lobby. “We have been talking about cheering together and going to college together since eighth grade,” said Clark. “We weren't sure it was going to happen, but we are so glad it did.” “We couldn't be more excited,” said Moody. “It has been really special for me to see them grow from junior high cheerleaders to high school cheerleaders and college cheerleaders,” said Marion cheer coach Lauren Brinkley. “They're now mature young women, who are also impressive athletes. They've always been eager to learn and eager to take coaching.” Clark and Moody's journey to Arkadelphia was fortuitous “I knew I wanted to cheer, so I was looking around Arkansas and I found Henderson,” said Clark. “I emailed the coach, and she said she wanted me on her team.” “Then she (Clark) told me about Henderson because I didn't really know about it at the time,” said Moody. “The more we looked at the school, campus, and the coaches, the more it felt like it was for me.” The Henderson State cheer and pom squad made history in its first appearance at the National Cheer Association (NCA) Nationals in Daytona, Florida. The Reddies took first and second place, respectively, in the Spirit Rally Open Division. The achievement comes in the first year under coach Maddy Coffman, who cheered at Henderson State. “We really like that they go to Daytona and places like that and compete,” said Clark. “Honestly it feels like our team here in a lot of ways.” “They've stood out throughout the years because they're both very self-driven athletes who strive to improve,” said Brinkley. “That can be rare with some younger kids but that's probably the trait that I'll remember and appreciate the most.”