GRC Cheer is gearing up for region competition with a new squad and a new competition category.
After the loss of 10 seniors, GRC Cheer has many new faces and has switched its competition division from 2-1/2 minute to GameDay.
The team will compete in Region Saturday at Montgomery County with a performance time of 10:30. Tickets are available on GoFan and no cash is accepted at the gate.
“The girls have lots of experience in game day atmospheres, but it’s finally their time to shine,” said Coach Jerrica Whitaker.
Moving from a 2-1/2 minute routine to a GameDay routine has been an adjustment but the team has embraced it.
“It’s definitely very different and a little nerve wracking but it was what’s best for the team,” said senior Maddie Goeing. “I feel confident that we will still go out and do great.”
Saturday’s goal is obviously to make the Top 2 in order to advance to state competition. To prepare for Region, the team is inviting everyone to the Auxiliary Gym Friday at 7 p.m. to watch the team’s competition routine.
The girls have had some fun this week leading up to the competition with themed practices, such as “Dress as a holiday.”
“This has just been to help ease some nerves and add in a little fun,” Coach Whitaker said. “It’s been a tradition we do every year the week of competition.”
The girls look forward to a new challenge.
“I’m very hopeful that we can put on a show for the audience,” said junior Annie Lucas. “We have worked hard and we’re ready to show everyone that we can switch it up and compete in GameDay as well as the routines we used to compete with.”
Senior Ava Woolum said the experience the team gained through cheering for GRC’s highly successful basketball teams will help the girls in the GameDay category. The girls not only have cheered for district, region and state for both boys and girls, but also have competed in the associated InGame competitions.
“Cheering for the girls and boys year after year at all the tournament levels has helped us so much as we transition to the Gameday category,” said Ava Woolum. “Being super peppy and crowd-leading is over half of your score sheet and when it comes down to it, that’s what really matters. Because we competed in InGame every year multiple times, we know what it takes.”
The Region competition will be a new experience, but Cardinal Cheer is as ready as they can be.
“Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, I am beyond proud of the determination and flexibility this team has shown this season,” said Coach Whitaker. “We have a goal to accomplish and I feel they are ready.”
