As the football season comes to an end, Utica’s sideline cheerleaders are preparing for a new competition season. Tryouts will be on Monday, Nov. 11.

A number of last year’s and sideline cheerleaders will be returning to compete this season.

“I’m excited because I’ve been doing competition cheer for a long time,” junior Jessica Wise said. “I love the adrenaline rush I get when competing.”

Competitions can be nerve-wracking for cheerleaders, but in the end, they are meant to be fun for students.

“I’m excited but nervous because I always get nervous and I want to do the best I can,” sophomore Zoey Elrod said. “Last year we did really well at most of our competitions. I’m excited to improve as a team and to just enjoy the season.” 

Competitive cheer is a great way to make new friends and have fun while competing for Utica.

“I love the adrenaline rush,” Wise said. “But I also love the friendly atmosphere and how everyone really becomes apart of the team by the end of the season.”