Poplarville cheerleaders place at state competition
Published 7:00 am Saturday, December 20, 2014
THIRD IN STATE: Poplarville High School’s Cheer team recently placed third in state competitions held on Dec. 13. Sitting from left is Elizabeth Amacker, Jacee Holston, Drew Smith, Co-Captain Rachel Barras, Captain Madison Nodurft, Haley McClendon, Mercedes Mayfield and McKinsey Harris. Standing from left is Takyla Parker, Harlee Stuart, Tatum Davis, Faith Necaise, Lexey Breerwood, Mikaela Bilbo, Ali Glasscock, Merisa Myrick and Landry Bagley.
Submitted photo
On Dec. 13, the Poplarville High School Cheerleaders cheered their way to third place at the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s State Cheerleading competition.
According to its website, the MHSAA is responsible for both academic and athletic competitions.
For the past six years, Sarah Smith has been the cheerleading coach and said this is the first time, that she is aware of, the cheerleaders have achieved a state ranking.
The cheerleaders were judged on a two-minute and 30-second routine, Smith said, which included stunts, jumps, cheers and dances.
“They were judged on difficulty level, execution, crowd appeal and overall impressions,” Smith said. “The girls competed against 10 other teams throughout the state.”
Smith said the cheerleaders practiced five days a week since February, in between prepping for an extended football season and pep rallies, for the competition.
The team received a trophy and Smith said the girls were very excited when they placed third.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” Smith said. “I couldn’t believe it. Once it sunk in, I could not control the tears. I am very, very proud of them.”
Learn more about Poplarville School District at www.poplarvilleschools.org.
