By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Dec. 13, 2002
Meridian High School's gym will be filled to capacity Saturday when teen-age girls from across the state compete in the Mississippi High School Athletic Association State Cheerleading Championship.
Seventy-six high school squads are expected to compete Saturday in 1A through 5A divisions. Awards will be given in each division and a top cheerleader will be chosen.
Saturday's competition will start at 9:15 a.m. with small schools Nanih Waiya, Mize, Philadelphia, Carthage and Southeast Lauderdale performing 21/2 minute routines. The routine will include a dance, cheer and stunts. The teams are judged on creativity, choreography, spirit and the use of props.
The 18-member Clarkdale cheerleading squad has been practicing for months. The 2A school recently won a regional competition, which allowed the squad to compete in state finals.
Following the competition for 1A and 3A schools, the best cheerleader competition begins when 14 young woman from area schools compete for the title. An awards ceremony will be at noon for those teams.
Beginning at 1 p.m. schools in the 2A, 4A and 5A division will compete. Area schools include Enterprise, Clarkdale, Wayne County and Meridian High School.
An awards ceremony for winners will be at 7 p.m. The evening also includes competition for coed schools beginning about 6 p.m. Schools include Tupelo, Sumrall and Pass Christian.
Davis and McLemore agree the competition gives students a chance to develop confidence.
MHSAA STATE CHEERLEADING COMPETITION
Where: Meridian High School Gym
Where: Saturday, doors open at 8:15 a.m.; competition begins at 9:15 a.m.
Admission: $5
Here's a look at area teams and when they will compete:
Nanih Waiya High School 9:42 a.m.
Philadelphia High School 10:21 a.m.
Carthage High School 10:45 a.m.
Southeast Lauderdale High School 11:33 a.m.
Taylorsville High School 1:15 p.m.
Enterprise High School 1:27 p.m.
Clarkdale High School 1:57 p.m.
Wayne County High School 4:33 p.m.
Meridian High School 5:51 p.m.