For the next school year, tryouts were held for the Lewis-Palmer cheer team this April. The practices were tough, but only the best girls made the cut.

The girls weren’t the only thing that’s new for next year, there is also going to be a new coach for the team. Ms. Meaghan Schultz teaches at Kilmer Elementary School, and she is very excited to be the new cheer coach here at Lewis-Palmer. She’s looking forward to judging try-outs and meeting her new squad.

“I’m looking for girls who are positive, have a good attitude, are supportive of their teammates and have good technique,” Schultz said.

What some people may not realize is that cheering requires more than just yelling to the crowd. It also requires strength, flexibility and rhythm.

“During try-outs they are judged on their jumps, cheering, dancing and tumbling,” Schultz said.

With so many things to practice, it can be a lot for girls to handle. But for most girls, it’s worth all of the effort and hard work.

“The hardest part of try-outs was memorizing the cheer, but my favorite part was the good feeling I got when I got my moves right,” sophomore Olivia Davis said.

Davis was just one of the many people who tried out for the squad. Because of the amount of time she put into practicing and her dedication to cheerleading, she was ultimately chosen as part of next year’s team.

But imagine being the only guy to try out for a cheer squad. Junior Nate McBride worked extra hard to make a good impression on the judges and made sure he was prepared.

“I always stretch, warm up and get hydrated before practicing,” McBride said.

McBride then became another member of the future cheer team. It just goes to show that working hard and putting forth much effort can result in achievement.

“The best thing a girl can do while trying out is have fun and smile,” Schultz said.