by Grace George |

Makeup on, rings off, bows in, shoes tied, socks pulled up, skirt pulled down, 3, 2, 1, “And now performing, Liberty High School.”

While the fans of the Liberty Varsity Cheer squad are very pleased with their performance at the 2012 Regional Cheer Competition on July 19, few truly understand what went into participating and hosting the event.

Previously doing very well at competitions, including being three-time state champs and earning a national ranking, the squad had a lot on their plate. And since this was the first time Liberty hosted a regional competition, no one really knew what to expect.

“I never really thought about how much time and effort went in to hosting a competition. I always thought competing in one was a challenge but now I understand hosting it is just as hard,” senior Audrie Estrada said.

The work that needed to be done was doubled, and a lot of people had to step up to make the competition happen.

“Hosting the competition was very hard but I definitely think it paid off. It was nice that since it was in Liberty, most of our friends and families were able to come and watch all the hard work we’ve put in come together,” junior Hailey Davisson said.

Liberty participated in the Large School All Girls category. Since Liberty is such an enormous school, new faces are always popping up on the floor.

“I didn’t know what to expect until the day of, and before we competed I had the worst nerves and butterflies,” sophomore Maddie Whittman said. “It was probably the most nerve wrecking thing I’ve done yet! I was terrified, but my teammates made me feel so much better, which made me feel so secure and blessed to be on such a supportive team where my teammates care so much,” she said.

To continue the name of one of the best varsity squads in the

nation, Liberty will continue to grow and develop as a squad and family during the coming year.

“[This will be] another amazing year with the community, Liberty High School, and of course we are hoping to try to qualify for national’s again,” Coach Brenda Moates said. “They are a young performance team, but they have the skills and the ability to make some waves this year.”

Skills and hard work will go a long way toward the team’s overall success.

“The talent on the varsity squad gets better and better every year. I expect my team this year to have all positive attitudes and great teamwork. I have so much faith in my team and I believe we can achieve anything,” Estrada said.