New Madrid County Central High School cheerleaders ready to showcase school spirit

NEW MADRID, Mo. — It takes more than a pretty face to be a cheerleader, said New Madrid County Central High School cheerleading coach Sharay Rucker.

Since taking over the program this summer, Rucker has had the squad working with a trainer to build their strength and improve endurance. Laughing, she admitted for the girls it has been a bit of a love-hate relationship their trainer.

“Basically, I want them to be stronger to be able to do more difficult stunts. I think it is going to take time, but I do see it paying off. I do see their strength going up,” she said. “The biggest asset of the training is not just physical; it is also helping build a strong mind set.”

Rucker was a cheerleader throughout middle school and high school as well as cheering a year in college. Also she was involved with the All-Star Cheerleading program.

She said when she saw the opening for high school cheer coach she saw it as an opportunity to put what she had learned over the years into practice.

“It has been a joy,” Rucker said about coaching.

In addition to the weight training, Rucker has worked with the cheerleaders on incorporating new skills into their cheers. She said the squad has also shown her things they learned from their previous coach which they wanted to continue to incorporate into their routines.

The Central High School cheer squad is actually two groups. There are the 12 members who make up the football cheer team and in November the squad will add another four members to become the basketball cheerleading squad and a competition team.

Rucker described the competition team as very athletic. Her goal is to have the squad performing more extended stunts, lifts and twists.

“People don’t realize how hard it is to stunt and keep cheering at the same time but more and more I see these girls able to do it,” she said.

She praised the cheerleading squad describing them as hard working.

“They are very driven. They have set goals for themselves and for the team,” Rucker explained. “They are 12 different personalities but they have bonded really well.”

In particular, she praised the four senior members of the squad, Alexis Boggs, Shawna Robinson, Kylee Sturgeon and Lauren Wescoat.

“These girls are amazing when it comes to leadership. They set the tone for the practices,” she said. “They have stepped up well.”

Other members of the football cheer team are: Lillian Birdwell, Anabelle Farrenburg, Trizta Hill, Peyton Jarmon, Alivia McVay, Aubrey Pullen, Lilli Tanner and Taylor Shaw.

Rucker said they are all looking forward to performing for the crowds at Eagle football games.

“They are ready for the season,” she added, “and ready to showcase the things they have learned.”

The NMCC varsity football season kicked off Aug. 26.