SIKESTON -- For the first time in about two decades, the Sikeston Senior High cheerleading squad will compete to qualify for national competition.
"It's something new," said Wanda Throop, one of the squad's sponsors. "The state changed the rules last year to allow cheerleading squads to compete at nationals if they want to."
Tricia Keefer and Sarah McGill are the two other sponsors.
The regional competition on Saturday, held in Wentzville, will qualify teams, or give them a bid, to attend the national competition.
The squad's routine will be similar to what it performed last month when cheerleaders earned the third straight state title in their division. However, there will be some alterations.
"There are different times limits and different requirements for jumps," said Throop. "And the squad size (for national competition) is 20, not 18."
The squad will perform its routine during half time of the boy's home basketball game Friday against Dexter.