Holding their own with nation’s best

North Jackson advanced through both the preliminary and the semi-final rounds of the competition in order to compete in the finals. 

The UCA National Competition is considered the most prestigious event held in high school cheerleading and is the only cheer competition recognized by and televised on ESPN. 

"It's the Super Bowl of cheerleading," said Paige Hodges, one of the cheer coaches.

 Teams from all over the nation participate, having qualified for nationals by winning a state championship or qualifying during a regional competition. Over 460 teams compete at the UCA competition.

 Many of the squads come from much larger schools than North Jackson. However, squad size is no intimidation factor for the students. The North Jackson cheerleaders are also coached by Nikki Hicks, who said all success is due to the enduring efforts made by the team members.

"My heart swells to think about what they've done. I'm so proud of them," said Hicks. "It's unbelievable how hard they worked and how much it's paid off."

The team competed in the 2010 UCA competition, but did not place during the preliminaries. However, the team allowed that particular challenge to fuel their desire for improvement. In August they began preparing for the state cheerleading competition, practicing everyday for two hours, always keeping their spirits up for the possibility of another trip to nationals.

"We set our sights high and knew there were a lot of obstacles in our way to improve. But we did it," said Hodges.

Fundraising for the several thousands of dollars needed for expenses was a team effort as well. 

"We washed cars, sold calendars and fruit. We even sold large sour pickles — a little bit of everything," said Hodges.

 Hodges considers each of the twenty girls on the team an athlete "hands down."

"When you watch them do what they do, you can't help but consider them athletes," said Hodges. "The tumbling and stunting skills you must know to compete at this caliber are extreme."

During the year the team faced it's share of tough times with individual injuries such as torn ligaments, broken bones and numerous sprained ankles.

"We have to push past all injuries," said Hodges. "We don't have a bench to pull from. When one person gets hurt it effects the entire team."

The teams wishes to give a special thanks to the Jackson County Board of Education, who approved the team's travel.

"We have an amazing support system with our principal Mr. Sam Houston, our superintendent Mr. Ken Harding and our amazing parents," said Hodges. "Without these people the dream of attending this competition would not be possible."

Team members include: Allie Hale, Shanele Cobb, Kaley Johnson, Brittany Mason, Hannah Stubblefield, Peyton Johnson, Haley Hicks, Haley Steele, Bailey Barnard, Morgan Ellis, Robyn Hughes, Cadesha Moore, Amanda Duke, Makayla Westmoreland, Breanna Steele, Paige Stubblefield, Jordan Smith, Krystina Jackson, Baleigh Newman, and Kayla White