This week’s tryouts for next year’s cheerleading squad began on March 14.

Sophomore MKilar Otte feels good about how this week will go.

“I’m a little nervous,” Otte said. “I love cheer and it’s my life. I think the tryouts will go smoothly.”

Freshman Alliana Drees is nervous but excited for this weeks’ tryouts.

“I hope to make varsity,” Drees said.

Sophomore Kaely McKinney is excited for cheer to start again.

“I’m nervous but I think it will go well,” McKinney said.

Junior Maddie Norris is ready for this year’s tryouts because she is trying out for captain.

“I’m excited, and I think next year’s group is going to be really good,” Norris said.

Junior Courtney Ellis is also trying out for captain next year.

“This year’s tryouts are going to be different than any other year,” Ellis said. “Returning upperclassman don’t have the advantage of knowing the fight song since it won’t be a part of tryouts this year.”

Ellis is not too nervous for the tryouts, and feels there is a lot of potential for next year’s squad.

Junior Alassa Barber feels like this week will be good.

“I’m happy to have the coach we have, and I think next year will be really good,” Barber said.

For the 2015 seniors this week’s tryouts are unlike any before since they won’t be able to tryout, but only help with others who are trying out.

“It’s a weird feeling not being able to tryout or participate,” Senior Mariah Haley said.

Senior Lexi Summers feels this week is bittersweet.

“It’s sad that I’m done with cheer but I’m excited to move on,” Summers said. “I’ve been doing it for so long.”

Senior Kali Pitcock also feels not being able to tryout is bittersweet.

“It’s sad, but since none of my friends are able to tryout, we’re all going through this together.” Pitcock said.

                                                                                                                                                                        17kbrooks@usd489.com