Cardinals take on new Game Day division in first competition in more than five years
Southport Cheerleading returned to competitive action on Saturday, September 26, earning a third-place finish in its first competition in more than five years.
Led by head coach Savannah Kitchel, the Cardinals entered the season with a new challenge: competing in the Game Day division, a format modeled after collegiate cheerleading that emphasizes many of the skills athletes use while supporting their teams from the sidelines.
Unlike a traditional cheer routine, Game Day requires teams to perform several elements, including a band dance, situational offensive or defensive chants, crowd-leading chants and the school fight song. Athletes must demonstrate their technique and teamwork while showing their ability to lead and engage a crowd.
For Southport, preparing for the competition meant learning an entirely new format while working to rebuild a competitive cheerleading program.
After more than five years away from competition, Saturday's third-place finish provided an encouraging start.
The return also represents an opportunity for Southport cheerleaders to expand their roles beyond the sidelines. Kitchel hopes the experience will help the current team grow while establishing a foundation for future Cardinals interested in competitive cheerleading.
With their first competition behind them and a podium finish to show for it, Southport Cheer has taken an important first step in bringing competitive cheerleading back to SHS.
