Poms up and spirits high! For the first time in Wakeland history, this year’s cheer team will be the first to compete in the UIL spirit championships.

On Jan. 11, the WHS cheer team had show-offs for the upcoming competition. “I think [show-offs] went really well and it was great getting to show our parents all the hard work we put into perfecting our routine,” junior Sam Ballas said. 

Many Wakeland cheerleaders have worked tirelessly to prepare for the UIL competition. “We have spent months and months perfecting and cleaning our routine alongside some choreographers who have helped winning teams in the past which has really helped us improve,” Ballas said. 

The pressure is on as the girls continue to prepare for their first competition. They will be up against many teams in the 5A division according to UIL.

“Our division only allows for 30 girls on the mat, including the mascot. We have most of our Varsity and JV teams on the mat and a few freshmen due to injuries and quarantine. We also have some freshmen attending the competition as alternates, in case they are needed the day of,” Wakeland cheer Coach McCartney said. 

They will be going up against seven other Frisco schools, one school from McKinney, one school from The Colony, five schools from Dallas, and more from all over Texas.

“I think people are nervous but we’re also excited to show what Wakeland Cheer can do ’cause we’ve never gotten to do this before,” sophomore Kennedy Bryant said. 

The team has been utilizing their cheer class period to practice and perfect their routine. 

“We have spent our cheer class period since October learning and practicing our routine. One thing I am really proud of is that we put our routine together on our own. We had some experts come in and help us take our routine from good to great, but the material and vision was created in-house, which I think makes it even more special!” McCartney said.

With a competitive spirit, Coach McCartney knows that all the girls’ hard work has paid off.

“​I am really excited for the competition to be here, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t crazy nervous! I put a lot of pressure on myself and my team, and I’m also super competitive, so I want to do really well!” McCartney said 

With this being the first year for the girls to compete, their main goal is to make it to the finals.

“Our goal for this first year is to make it to the finals, which would be a huge feat since we have never competed before,” McCartney said.

This first competition is an exciting opportunity and learning experience.  

“I’m certain that we will learn and grow from this experience and be even more prepared and ready for next year!” McCartney said. 

The judges will be examining each team’s Band Chant, Crowd Leading, and Fight Song routines which all have a time limit of one minute. 

Band Chants require sideline uniforms and needs to emphasize crowd effectiveness and practicality. Crowd Leading emphasizes crowd involvement and the team needs to complete the performance before the time limit. The Fight Song requires having recorded band music and can have up to three eight counts with stunts. 

The competition will take place at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Jan. 14 in Fort Worth, Tx and parents are welcome to attend.