By Spencer Drake
Cheerleading is highly competitive at Louisiana Tech, and another trip to nationals Jan. 13-17 proves that. The squad is looking to represent Louisiana Tech and the Ruston community well this year, as they did last year.
The cheerleaders, like sophomore Katy Crain, take pride in going to nationals and representing the Ruston community. They especially like being role models for the young girls they meet from the community.
“The best part of being a Tech cheerleader are the little girls who look up to us because that used to be us in their position and thinking about it like that is so special to me,” said Crain.
The UCA collegiate nationals are held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The cheer team has been practicing all year for the competition, adding hours upon hours of extra work to master their craft.
“In addition to our normal practice days, we are required to go to 6 a.m. workouts during the week to build stamina and strength for the season. We are also always putting in work outside of practice to train individually,” said Crain.
The chance to even go to nationals is a huge accomplishment in itself. Competing in front of other squads from all over the nation can be nerve racking for some, but Louisiana Tech’s team is ready.
“Being able to compete at nationals is an amazing experience and last year we made so many memories and I loved competing in Orlando with my team,” said second year cheerleader Skylee Warner. “The adrenaline rush you get from competing on the floor is crazy and exciting.”
