SUNY Fredonia cheerleaders support walkers in their effort on Sunday. Submitted Photo.

Special to the OBSERVER

State University of New York at Fredonia cheerleaders hit the road on Sunday morning for the Ruck Walk for Veterans Food Drive to support veterans.

Two cheerleaders — Riley Gustafson and Tierney Kateridge — slung on backpacks filled with 20 pounds of food and completed the 6.1 mile walk. The out-and-back course took participants from Fredonia’s Barker Commons to the Dunkirk pier and then back again.

Kateridge’s family has a tradition of military service; her grandfather was in the Navy and her mother’s uncle fought in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star Medal. “They were definitely my motivation for the walk,” she said.

Other cheerleaders — Leigha Kutas, Samantha Schwartz, Madison Miranda, Chloe Jurcsak, Kloe Samick and Sureli Honoret — provided valuable support for the hearty participants. About 65 pounds of food was donated by the Fredonia contingent.

Cheerleading advisor Julie Troche indicated the squad was looking for volunteer opportunities, and the Ruck Walk was the right ticket to support veterans for a host of reasons.

It’s important to recognize the service or military men and women, Troche explained. The walk represented a different volunteer opportunity that the cheerleaders haven’t been involved with in the past. It allows the squad to participate in an athletic event and also be involved in the community.

“We hope to be involved every year and bring in more people to support the veterans,” Troche said.