Zion Chapel cheerleader sponsor Hope Bowers said her group of girls were excited to head to the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Cheer Competition in Hanceville in November, but also a little nervous.

The Rebels had never traveled to the state meet and needed to shake off some jitters, so the squad loaded up and went to Opp to work out their routine.

“We went there to work out some things, and were able to have some of our fans come too,” said Bowers. “It really helped us to get some things down pat.”

Bowers said that Zion Chapel’s top three finish wasn’t something that came about overnight. The Rebels began preparing for the event quickly after the squad was formed last spring.

Throughout the summer months, the cheer team took tumbling lessons at a gymnastics center in Troy, something that Bowers feels propelled the squad to the next level.

“The competition is divided in to a dance with music and a cheer routine,” said Bowers. “But there is tumbling throughout the entire thing. Without the tumbling work over the summer and in the fall, we might have not done so well.”

The cheer season is not over for the Rebels, as high school basketball season is just getting cranked up.

Bowers feels that the competition was a great way to send out seniors Heather Brunson and Sierra Parker.

“They worked hard, just like all the girls,” said Bowers. “This was the first time we tried this and they were a huge part of it. We are going to build on what have accomplished.”

The Zion Chapel cheerleaders are: Heather Brunson, Sierra Parker, Jencie Allen, Kahla Allen, Blair Hendricks, Chancey Marler, Heidi McLeod, Caitlyn Napper, Taylor Shelton, Victoria Wilson, Madison Grisset, Courtney Brown, Lexie Carroll, Claire Powell and Emily Bell.