The varsity cheerleaders and Marching Cougars of Goodpasture Christian School will be attending the National High School Cheer Championships (NHSCC) in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 7-9.
“We get to perform in the ESPN sports complex and go on the ESPN field too,” freshman cheerleader Emma Bixenman said. “We also get to go around Disney too! We get Parkhopper passes.”
There are over 15 divisions when competing in the NHSCC; however, this year, Goodpasture will compete in the Game Day Live division. This is the only division where a live band and cheerleaders will compete together on the floor for the same judges.
One team competing against the Cougars is the Castle High Knights in Newburgh, Indiana.
“I’m super excited to go to Nationals and compete against so many good teams.” junior Castle cheerleader Abby Hawks said. “Goodpasture seems to be a very good team.”
Game Day performances are scored using various aspects including proper use of signs and poms, visual appeal, materials, and so much more. Half of the scoring will come from the marching band and the other half will come from the cheer squad, according to Varsity, the company in charge of hosting.
Game Day division performances are closely what would resemble a pep rally or football game.
“We’re going to do Florida State band chant, the band will be performing with us,” Bixenman said. “We also do a sideline cheer, paws out, and fight song but with different motions.”
To qualify to compete in the NHSCC, 75% of the teams” roster must participate in a Varsity spirit camp and qualify through UCA regional events.
Members of the cheer team that will be attending nationals are Adelaide Moss, Camilla Duensing, Hattie Mae Head, Emma Bixenman, Lillian Norsworthy, Katherine Duran, Evie Fontenot, Kate Plummer, Sophia Moser, Auburn Haun, Lexi Abraham, Addie Rose McClellan, Analeese Bell, Amelia Asta, Isabel Hayes, Sarah Carver, Janey Phillips, Ella Morgan, and Ella Edwards.
Members of the band team attending will be middle schoolers Noah Binkley, Anders Dickerson, Evan Shepherd, Julianna Stone, and Addison Claytor. Highschool marching band members performing are Adiya Osborne, Jonah Binkley, Jude Helton, Jax Ivy, Jesse Kindall, Elsa Shanklin, Alessondra Stone, Alana Alexander, Dawson Swiney, Joshua Tucker, Taylor Duke, Gabriella Stone, and Bridgette Tucker.
The band and cheer teams will have five minutes to show off their skills effectively and highlight the talents of both groups.
“When the team is given corrections, we fix everything well,” senior Analeese Bell said. “I think we’re going to do really good! I’m excited to perform with this team at nationals one more time.”
