Jumping, smiling and cheering. These are some of the things that make up the life of a cheerleader. Even though these may seem like simple actions to some, cheerleaders know how grueling they can be if done over and over again.

On Jan. 9-11, the Rouse cheerleaders will compete at the UIL state cheer competition and make their first appearance there. The girls will be one of 90 teams in the contest. All the teams will try their best, but only 20 will make it to finals.

To make sure cheerleaders maintained their high level of enthusiasm, Head Cheer Coach Courtney Hargis invited the student body to send them off for the contest.

Because there are so many contestants trying for only 10 slots, the cheerleaders’ are full of anxiety.

“To say the least, we are nervous,” sophomore Mara Everson said. “However, I am very confident in our team and how we will do.”

To make sure they’ve got their routine down perfectly, for weeks, the team has been practicing after school until six. They have done all of this hard work to achieve their goal of making the finals.

“We would feel really accomplished if we could accomplish that level,” Everson said. “It won’t be easy, but we have worked hard.”

Although the girls are apprehensive, they are looking forward to the contest.

“I have never been in a competition before,” Everson said “Just getting to experience the excitement of it all will be really cool.”

Along with Everson, sophomore Aly Campbell is looking forward to the competitive experience.

“I’m most excited about seeing the other teams compete,” Campbell said “I’m looking forward to watching their routines and seeing their difficult tricks.”