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The Llano High School combined varsity and junior varsity squads recently performed a cheer routine as pre-game entertainment on the floor of the AT&T Center before tip-off of the San Antonio Spurs v. Denver Nuggets basketball game on Saturday, January 7.

Initially, the cheerleaders signed up to compete in their first cheerleading competition in the novice category; however, the competition was cancelled when the NBA contract dispute was resolved.

The San Antonio Spurs staff contacted cheer coach Nita Fields and offered the girls the opportunity to perform rather than compete this year or try again next year. The girls opted to continuing working on their routine and perform. The two and a half minute routine, choreographed by senior captain Margaret Anderson, consisted of a combination of stunts, tumbling, jumps, and favorite dance routines. It allowed the girls to try new things that wouldn’t ordinarily be incorporated on the sideline at a game or a pep rally.

Following their performance, the cheerleaders enjoyed the game and spent the night in San Antonio. Without the support of local businesses and families for the football program, the girls would not have been able to have this experience. They would also are appreciative of Shelly Anderson, Jacob Rodriguez, Wes Sadek and Tammy Friedrich for their contributions to the trip along with Megan Owens and Kacy Rowley who assisted as spotters and with props.

LHS Cheerleaders for 2011-12 are seniors Margaret Anderson and Heide Forrister (co-captains) and Meagan Mansell; sophomores Macie Alcoser, Kylie Hufford, Samantha Lawrence, and Autumn Sanderson; and freshman Logan Simpson as “Sting” on varsity. The JV Cheerleaders are Bailey Pippenger (captain), Baylee Glover, Sarah Marion, Tiger Maddox, Tanna Castelan, Tori Coats, Claire Scott, and Christy Vassar. Nita Fields and Jil Holland are the coaches for this year’s cheerleaders.

Senior captain Margaret Anderson summed up the trip best: “This trip was a wonderful experience to share with my cheer sisters. It was an amazing way to highlight my years as an LHS cheerleader.”

This year’s squad will finish out basketball season. Cheerleader tryouts for 2012-13 are fast approaching on February 16.