Dominating Regionals Sept. 20 set the standard for the cheerleading team to excel at the State competition this past Saturday. 

After countless hours of summer practice, the cheer team performed for the first time this year in front of judges. The team traveled to the National Cheer Association summer cheer camp hosted at the University of Oklahoma to strengthen their team leadership through practice from sun up to sun down. They developed new performance skills with the help of professional cheerleaders who coached the girls on new tumbling and stunts. 

Following a State win last season, the Performance State team walked onto the mat with confidence.

“Everyone was happy and excited and kind of nervous,” sophomore Ellen Covington said. 

Even with the loud music and roar of fans, the team did not break focus.

“I personally was nervous, but not just because we wanted to win, but we were ready to chase the feeling we had worked for all season,” junior Charlotte Shortt said. 

Though the second place finish left the team feeling disappointed, Shortt explained that each cheerleader felt she performed to the best of her abilities.

Following Performance State, the team began preparation for the Gameday competition.