Cheer team placed 10th in the Performance Division Intermediate Non-Tumbling for medium-sized schools and 16th in Time Out Dance in Game Time at Nationals in Dallas, Texas, competing in a larger competition than last year.

Though last year they earned a higher placement, they were competing in a smaller Nationals competition. This year they competed against 16 and 28 teams in their categories, respectively. Cheer improved their numerical score from last year’s, but earned a lower placement, a testament to the greater level of competition cheer team faced this year according to Cheer Coach Lisa Lauck.

“I think it [the bigger competition] gives them a greater connection to cheerleading. It makes them feel like they’re a part of something bigger,” Coach Lisa Lauck said. “I definitely think it makes them feel recognized.”

Despite the lower ranking, their new score is even better, according to senior Anna Lillis, because of the competition they faced, as attending a larger competition meant more teams to compete against for a title.

Cheer began working on their routines in November, following their return from State competition, where they placed fifth. They immediately decided on what competitions they wanted to enter.

“We get to select what competitions we go into so we chose the Non-Tumbling Intermediate because that goes perfectly with our skill level,”Lauck said. “I think they felt confident because it was a perfect fit for them.”

The larger competition meant things were a bit different than the team was used to, from the ambiance to the setup of the competition. For example, they performed twice, which was helpful as they were able to get tips from the first performance that could assist the second. The atmosphere was also more intense.

“I kept telling the girls, it’s grand. It feels grand to be there; it’s different than anything they’ve done before,” Lauck said.

Additionally, the larger competition meant a larger crowd, which actually played on one of cheer team’s strengths: performing in front of a crowd.

“Big competitions bring out the best in us,” Lillis said.

The crowd and greater number of teams, despite making the fight for a title more difficult, payed off, according to Lillis.

“The best part is the second you finish,” Lillis said. “Knowing you did your best and leaving it all on the mat.”