Our History
In the spring of 1978, ten young ladies expressed an interest to form a drill team and go to competition at MCC. There were no sequins, fancy costumes, or even a director. The following school year, in the fall of 1978, was the first year Midway had an official drill team.
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The Goal Tenders were originally started as a spirit organization for the basketball team. They helped to support and relieve the Cheerleaders at these games. That's how the name "Goal Tenders" came to be. The girls would stand under the basketball goal to cheer and dance. The Goal Tenders continued to perform only at basketball games until the fall of 1981. At this time, the Goal Tenders started to perform with the band at half time of football games. They marched with the band and even performed flag routines. They were on the field the entire half time performance.​
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The Goal Tenders have won countless awards and traveled all over together. The team has been to San Antonio, South Padre, Dallas/Ft.Worth, New Orleans, Branson, Galveston, Florida, New York and many other cities across Texas. The girls have had the opportunity to perform at a Dallas Cowboys halftime show, a Dallas Mavericks halftime, Fiesta TX, Six Flags, Disney World, Sea World, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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The Goal Tenders have grown from ten young ladies to a group of fifty and continue to uphold a winning tradition and strive to "Be World Class."
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Goal Tender Directors
Lindsay Benning
Lindsay Benning is starting her first year as Goal Tender director at MHS where she also teaches dance and math.
She previously taught at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas where she was the assistant to the Cavalette and Red Ruby Dance teams while also teaching in the math department.
Mrs. Benning taught at Midway High School for the 2016-2017 school year where she was the assistant cheer coach and a math teacher. She worked with the Midway High School Goal Tenders for five years as choreographer for their field and pep rally routines, in addition to hosting private camps with smaller schools in the area. Mrs. Benning has experience as head coach through her time as the coach for the Lorena High School and Midway High School cheer programs. Under her direction teams have traveled to Hawaii, perform at the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus bowl and Walt Disney World.
Mrs. Benning graduated from Lufkin High School where she was a member of the Panther Pride drill team. After high school, Mrs. Benning attended Tyler Junior College where she was a member of the famous Apache Belles Dance Team, serving as Head Dance Captain her sophomore year. She graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Tyler Junior College. She continued her education at Baylor University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Finance.
While at Baylor, she was a member of the Baylor Dance Company, served as the Head SING chair for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and served as Float Chair for the annual Baylor Homecoming Parade.
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She is married to Mark Benning and they are currently enjoying being parents to their children, Madeline and Hagen.
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2016-2022
Lori Wadsworth
Coach L's daughter, Lori Wadsworth, took over the team in the spring of 2017. For the 2021-2022 year she was assisted by Goal Tender Alumni, Madi Minard.
1995-2016
Cindy Ledbetter "Coach L"
Mrs. Cindy Ledbetter took over in the spring of 1995. Mrs. Ledbetter (called Coach L. by the team) was instrumental in building the team and keeping the winning tradition alive. Her impact on the team was huge and her legacy will always be remembered. She was the director for 22 years.
Mrs. Marsha Alvarado directed the team from 1991- 1994.
1991-1994
Marsha Alvarado
Mrs. Luci DiCorte took over next and was director for two years.
1989-1991
Luci DiCorte
The Goal Tenders winning tradition started with their first director, Mrs. Dema Moore. Mrs. Moore was director from 1978 to the fall of 1989.