RHS Cheer squad preps for State competition

David Pierce photos

The 2024 Cheer State Championship is scheduled for Dec. 20-21 and five local squads are among the teams competing for state titles in either Performance Competition or Game Day Competition. State competition is being held at the Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.

Among the five schools are Gosnell, EPC, 1-4A Performance; Trumann, 4A Game Day; and Rivercrest, Manila, 3A Game Day.

David Pierce photos

Of those, Rivercrest is seeking their fifth Game Day state title and first since 2021. In preparation for the event, the Colts squad held a Cheer Showcase Dec. 12 in the high school gymnasium.

David Pierce photos

Performing in front of family, friends and others, the Rivercrest cheerleaders showcased their routine and even opened themselves up for critique. Cheer coach Elea Robertson asked those in attendance to score the performance and provide feedback as part of the 45 minute event.

“They want to know, want to hear what you think,” said Robertson, “and understand it’s necessary in order for them to continue getting better.”

David Pierce photos

The Colts Cheer squad has already established itself as one of the top teams in the 3A State after earning 3A Game Day first place at the Southern Spirit Federation competition in Morrilton, along with Overall High Point Band Chant, Overall High Point Fight Song and Game Day Grand Champ. They also won 3A Game Day competitions in Brookland and Bank of the Ozark competitions. The cheer squad finished in second place at Lake Hamilton where they did capture Overall High Point in both Band Chant and Fight Song.

“This team has simply been amazing,” said Robertson. “Led by five seniors who set goals at the beginning of the year, they have worked every day to reach those goals. They’ve been willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. I am so proud of them.

The team competed in Jonesboro Dec. 14 as a final preparation for state.

Rivercrest is scheduled to perform at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.