to compete at state Saturday

By ANDREA HAUSE

Sports Writer

The Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders from Charles Henderson will compete in the 11th Annual State Cheer & Dance Championships this weekend in Birmingham. This is the varsity’s second year to participate in the competition, but the junior varsity will be making their debut.

CHHS varsity cheerleaders placed second last year and varsity coach Michelle Armstrong feels that they are much more prepared this year. Captain for the varsity squad agrees.

"We just have to go and show what we’ve been practicing for; we’re ready." Assistant coach Katie Barr said "We’ve had our injuries, but we are healthy now, and we are blessed because eight of the nine girls are returning from the National Championship Squad from last year."

They plan to use this competition as a practice for the National Competition in December. Co-captain Lauren Stone says that the squad is close, proud to represent Troy and are thankful to the community for their continued support of the cheerleading program.

They are ready for this weekend, but they have not had an easy road getting there. Injuries have been one issue, but Barr says that just like any other student-athlete, they have had to learn to balance their time.

"Some days these girls will have practice, then a game to cheer for, only to get home around 9 o’clock at night."

The State Competition will also host an individual competition for senior cheerleaders. The seniors can win trophies, all-state recognition and cash scholarships. Senior, Andrea Domizion, will be trying out for the all-star squad on Saturday morning. She said she has had her routine since August and she is not nervous.

The junior varsity will be in new territory this Saturday. They are the first junior varsity squad from Charles Henderson to ever compete. They are working hard to make a good first impression. They have practiced everyday since September, including the weekends.

"They are a wonderful group of girls and I am really proud of them," says Coach Sharon Rhodes.

"Captain Lauren Scarbrough says "I think we’ll represent Troy well, and hopefully the JV will start going (to competition) every year."

When asked if they were nervous, everyone replied ­ ‘Yes!’

The competition will take place at the University of Alabama in Birmingham at the Bartow Arena. The junior varsity will compete at exactly1:24 p.m. and the varsity will compete at 4:24 p.m. The cost for all spectators is $5:00.