Bringing competitive cheer back to the school for the first time in nearly 40 years, tryouts were held on Jan.16 for regular-season cheerleaders looking to participate.

According to JV coach Samantha McCullough, it was the dedication of the 55 cheerleaders across the existing JV and varsity squads that motivated her to bring the team back this season.

“Cheerleading had changed me in such a positive way when I was in high school,” McCullough said. “Having a chance to give back some of the great opportunities and learning experiences that I had to other kids [is], without a doubt, one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Those that decided to try out for a spot on the team showed their tumbling, jumping, dancing and stunting skills. The techniques that will be taught to the competitive team during the practice season will give those that tried out an advantage when the team competes in the fall.

“A lot of the seniors, myself included, have been begging our coaches to compete for years,” senior and varsity cheer coach Kristen Baranski said. “We have all worked so hard to get the team to the level we are at. I am so impressed by all of the girls, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making as a team.”

The team will be participating in one competition, “Cheeriest 2017” contest at Six Flags St. Louis, April 22.

Fellow cheer coach Kelly Martin and cheerleading program director Pam Mueller will be assisting McCullough in leading the team through practices that will include strength and conditioning activities as well as dance and stunting.

“To any kids who are interested in joining, my advice would be to just give it your best effort,” McCullough said. “We are always happy to welcome new members into our cheer family. It’s a lot of hard work, but I think all of the kids will agree with me when I say that it is totally worth it.”