The South Harrison High School cheerleading squad is preparing for their biggest event of the year—the 2024 Missouri State Cheerleading Championships. On November 2nd, the team, led by Coach Schoning, will perform at 6:10 p.m. at the MIZZOU Arena, ready to showcase the hard work and dedication they have put into their routine.
Competing in the 2A Large division, this marks the team’s second year as a 2A school, but their first time competing with their entire squad in the Large category. Coach Schoning shared the team's enthusiasm for this milestone. “We’re most excited to showcase the skills we’ve worked so hard to achieve and to spend quality time together as a team. Competition is one of our favorite parts of cheer because it’s our moment to show everything we’ve accomplished.”
The team will leave for Columbia on Friday night, immediately following the first round of District football games. After checking in at MIZZOU Arena at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the girls will have time to watch other competitors before their own warm-up at 5:35 p.m.. Prior to warming up, they will undergo a penalty check to ensure compliance with NFHS and MSHSAA cheer rules, covering everything from jewelry to nail length.
The warm-up consists of 5 minutes on each of three mats—the team’s only chance to practice before stepping onto the competition floor. “This is the most difficult routine we’ve ever performed,” Coach Schoning said. “It’s only three minutes long, but it’s packed with a cheer, dance, stunts, pyramids, and tumbling.”
South Harrison is one of eight teams that made it past regionals to compete in the 2A Large division at the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA) State competition. The team has been perfecting their routine for months and looks forward to their chance to compete against the best teams in the state.
The championship awards ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m., shortly after the team’s performance, marking the conclusion of what promises to be an exhilarating day.
With months of preparation behind them, the South Harrison cheer squad is ready to take on the challenge and make their school proud.