Of all the teams that represent Powell High School, one has the longest practice season.Ironically, that team also has the shortest competitive season — one shot at comparing themselves with teams from other schools.On Wednesday, March 11, PHS's 15 cheerleaders, who have been practicing their sport since September, travel to Casper for the annual state spirit competition and their one chance to see if they can beat the competition.“It's what we've been working the whole season for,” said Kelli Lewis, one of five seniors on the squad who is in her third year as a cheerleader.With no other competition during the season, the girls don't know what kind of challengers they will face, but they aren't concerned about that.“We're not worried so much about winning, just doing our best,” said Tia Smith, a senior competing for her second year.Whatever the outcome, the girls said they will enjoy the experience and have good memories.“It will be fun just remembering it,” said senior Hanna Gifford, another three-year veteran of the squad.According to Vicki Walsh, coach of the PHS cheerleaders, the squad will compete in two events, girls stunt and non-stunt, also known as cheer-dance. Not many schools compete in the stunt division, Walsh said. She said nine 2A and 3A teams are expected to compete, but should that number decrease to fewer than six, all the teams will be thrown into one division and compete with the 4A teams.More schools enter the non-stunt division, and Walsh said she thinks Powell will be one of 15 2A and 3A schools competing.Of the two events, all five seniors said the stunt competition is the most rewarding, probably because it's also the hardest, challenging their endurance, and be presenting the very real danger of injury as well. Depending on your teammates to catch you is a little scary, and it's just as scary to know you have the responsibility of supporting and catching one of your teammates, they said.“Getting over the fear is hard,” said three-year veteran Chelsea Akin, as the other seniors nodded their heads.State competition aside, cheerleading has other rewards for the girls. They like the challenge and the teamwork, and they enjoy the occasional trips they take. Last week, the five seniors were part of the squad that cheered at the state wrestling tournament, which they all agreed is the most fun of any event they attend, especially this year when they were cheering for the champions. Next week, they will be representing PHS on their own, and in the end, that's a big reason why they like cheerleading.“It's just a good way to represent your school,” said Masbruch, who was a cheerleader at her former school in Colorado before moving to Powell this year.“You do it for the love of it.”Joining the five seniors on the team this year are Emily Schwahn, Ali Trustem, Tia Ibarra, Kelsey Ohman, April Patterson, Brianna Schwan, Shyanne Smith, Blake Harshman, Olivia Slater and Chelsea Padilla.

Of all the teams that represent Powell High School, one has the longest practice season.

Ironically, that team also has the shortest competitive season — one shot at comparing themselves with teams from other schools.

On Wednesday, March 11, PHS's 15 cheerleaders, who have been practicing their sport since September, travel to Casper for the annual state spirit competition and their one chance to see if they can beat the competition.

“It's what we've been working the whole season for,” said Kelli Lewis, one of five seniors on the squad who is in her third year as a cheerleader.

With no other competition during the season, the girls don't know what kind of challengers they will face, but they aren't concerned about that.

“We're not worried so much about winning, just doing our best,” said Tia Smith, a senior competing for her second year.

Whatever the outcome, the girls said they will enjoy the experience and have good memories.

“It will be fun just remembering it,” said senior Hanna Gifford, another three-year veteran of the squad.

According to Vicki Walsh, coach of the PHS cheerleaders, the squad will compete in two events, girls stunt and non-stunt, also known as cheer-dance.

Not many schools compete in the stunt division, Walsh said. She said nine 2A and 3A teams are expected to compete, but should that number decrease to fewer than six, all the teams will be thrown into one division and compete with the 4A teams.

More schools enter the non-stunt division, and Walsh said she thinks Powell will be one of 15 2A and 3A schools competing.

Of the two events, all five seniors said the stunt competition is the most rewarding, probably because it's also the hardest, challenging their endurance, and be presenting the very real danger of injury as well. Depending on your teammates to catch you is a little scary, and it's just as scary to know you have the responsibility of supporting and catching one of your teammates, they said.

“Getting over the fear is hard,” said three-year veteran Chelsea Akin, as the other seniors nodded their heads.

State competition aside, cheerleading has other rewards for the girls. They like the challenge and the teamwork, and they enjoy the occasional trips they take. Last week, the five seniors were part of the squad that cheered at the state wrestling tournament, which they all agreed is the most fun of any event they attend, especially this year when they were cheering for the champions.

Next week, they will be representing PHS on their own, and in the end, that's a big reason why they like cheerleading.

“It's just a good way to represent your school,” said Masbruch, who was a cheerleader at her former school in Colorado before moving to Powell this year.

“You do it for the love of it.”

Joining the five seniors on the team this year are Emily Schwahn, Ali Trustem, Tia Ibarra, Kelsey Ohman, April Patterson, Brianna Schwan, Shyanne Smith, Blake Harshman, Olivia Slater and Chelsea Padilla.