Cheer tryouts commence

This past week, Westside girls have been preparing before and after school for cheer tryouts. Head coach Molly Seals has been helping the girls get ready for their tryout on Saturday.

“This year we have judges with a lot of different backgrounds,” Seals said. “Three of the judges are UCA cheerleaders, all four have cheered in college at different levels, and three of the four judges are currently coaching a high school or college team. The girls final scores are based on 60 percent of the tryout score and 40 percent of their teacher recommendations. Us coaches get the easy job of sitting back and just watching during tryouts.”

The girls have been preparing with clinics and practices Monday through Friday before and after school. Junior Libby Bekins explained that tryouts this year are much different than last year.

“Last year we had a different coaching staff so there are differences from last year to this year,” Bekins said. “They added another category to the tryout list called ‘sideline cheer’ and we also added a band dance along with a cheer and a regular dance. They also included stunting as extra points you can get in tryouts.”

After tryouts on Saturday, the girls will find out what squad they made via email and on the Westside cheer website.

“My favorite part is probably tryouts on Saturday morning and seeing all the girls at dinner and bonding after tryouts,” Seals said. “I look forward to getting to know the girls and seeing how much they improve throughout the year.