By Angie Ledbetter

The South Panola varsity cheerleaders are preparing for the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School competition in Orlando February 10-15.

The squad has been hard at work for about five hours every day in the junior high gym getting prepared. They begin after each year’s nationals to focus on the next year.

Over 500 teams across the country will be participating. Teams qualify for nationals by winning a bid in their regional area competition. ESPN will broadcast the event in April.

The national high school cheerleader competition can be followed throughout the weekend on www.varsity.com <http://www.varsity.com/> . The South Panola squad is in the large division 11 category.

Coach Tammy Wilkinson said her team works every year with nationals in the back of their mind.

“Every competition we do at the regional level is done to prepare the girls to compete at nationals,” Wilkinson said. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity for our young ladies. They get to meet other high school girls from all over the country and get to experience the “Magical” atmosphere of Disney World. They’re introduced to numerous college programs who offer great opportunities for them after high school.

“Competitive cheerleadering is about hundreds of hours of work for two minutes and 30 seconds of glory,” she continued. “It’s tough but it’s worth every minute. One mistake during those two minutes and 30 seconds and it’s over. Your whole year of work is done. That’s the nature of our sport and we love what we do.”

The squad consists of seniors Katelyn Meek, Ashley Roberson, Olivia Battle, Jessica Gentry and Ceciley Williams. Blair Wilkerson is the only junior. Sophomores include Kelsey Wolfe, KK Williams, Taylor Sheley and Newman Whitt. Freshman include Brooke Taylor, Hannah Hood, Tabitha Cook, Michelle Bratcher, Celeste Wyatt, Rotieranna Scott, Katie Grace Carlini, Victoria Pride and Shelby McGovern.

Also coaching the squad are Sara Helen Ware and Trey Griffin.