The FHS competitive cheer team has achieved their third win of the season, scoring the highest score so far.  

Competing at Alton, Highland, and Edwardsville, they performed and won with their Game Day routine, which consisted of jumps, tumbling, stunts, and crowd involvement. 

“The scoring is based on the crowd appeal and response,” shares Kinley Atwood, a 2-year member of the FHS Competition Team.

Along with their Game Day routine, they also have a three-minute routine that consists of music, dancing, running tumbling, jumps, and pyramids. 

“The routine is scored on difficulty and execution of each portion; higher risk, higher reward,” says Atwood.

The girls try out for the competition team in April and get fitted for their uniforms in May. They spend their summer break conditioning and preparing for the upcoming season. 

“In June we have three conditioning practices and up to two three-hour practices per week,” says Atwood.

At the end of July, the cheerleaders have a choreography camp where they learn their 3-minute routine.  

“These camps last for two days from 9 am to 4 pm,” adds Atwood.

During the season, they have competition practice at least 3 times a week, sometimes even practicing on weekends. These practices range from 2- 2 ½ hours.

“Most of our girls also attend tumbling practices outside of cheer to obtain new skills,”  states Atwood.

Throughout the long and challenging season, the girls continue to push through.

“Many times we push through illness and injuries to continue doing well in our practices and competitions,” comments Atwood. 

With high spirits heading into the ICCA Championships in Springfield, they continue to push themselves.

“We have had many long practices after school, at night, on the weekend, and even right before we get on the bus for competition,” shares Atwood. 

With all their hard work, they continue bringing home good results.

“It pays off, we’ve made major improvements throughout this season,” reflects Atwood. 

The competition team continues focusing on their strengths, using them to their advantage while improving their weaknesses. 

“We’re strong in our clear voices, prop utilization, and energy levels. We can still improve our stunting skills as they aren’t always executed perfectly,” adds Atwood.

While working on their strengths and weaknesses, the cheer team still finds time to enjoy the experience.

“Spirits are always high as the music plays and all the cheer teams cheer for each other,” shares Atwood.

“My favorite thing to do on competition days is praying on the floor with all the girls,” adds Atwood.

The competition team looks forward to a great season, hoping to accomplish the highest reward.

“I have high hopes for our upcoming competitions, and I expect us to keep improving,” says Atwood.