Cheerleading tryout clinics began last week for both varsity and junior varsity teams, preparing athletes for official tryouts tonight. The cheerleading tryout process started March 27 and will conclude tonight after a week-long evaluation process. The final team placements will be announced on Friday. 

Clinics were held during cheerleading class periods, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students new to cheerleading will try out at 4 p.m. 

“I am feeling pretty excited about cheer tryouts,” head cheer coach Danielle Shirley said. “We’ve got pretty good numbers, so I’m excited to see what they do.”

The clinics, held this previous week are divided into three different portions: fitness, skills and game-day performance. Athletes must complete a mile run, push-ups, squat jumps and sit ups, along with various tumbling skills. 

“We did fitness tests to start,” Shirley said. “The fitness test is actually new this year. A lot of people think cheerleading is just standing on the sidelines and cheering, but it is actually very athletically involved.”

“I am excited, and can’t wait to try out for the third year.” sophomore cheerleader Kenzie Taite said. “Cheering for Rock Hill has been an amazing experience with my friends.” 

In January, the team won the National Cheerleaders Association High School National Championship.

“Winning the championship felt really rewarding, and kind of unreal,” junior varsity cheerleader Kenda Akin  said. “This team brings a laid back environment, but when it’s time to get work done, we work really hard. I feel very excited and ready for tryouts, but I’m also weirdly scared.”

During football season, cheerleaders must practice everyday to maintain their fitness and performance. Tryouts reflect this training.

“I’ve been cheering for eight years,” cheerleader Savanah Mardesich said. “This will be my fourth time trying out for Rock Hill. I feel pretty great. I’m a little bit nervous, but it’s been an overall great experience, and I’m excited for my last year here.”

A large number of newcomers are also anticipating tryouts.

“I feel good about tryouts, I am confident in my material and skills,” Jones Middle School eighth grader Helia Zare said. “The difference between middle school cheer and high school cheer seems to be that it’s more competitive, more material, higher expectations, and bigger commitment.”