On Saturday, November 5, 2011, 12 AHS cheerleaders will be competing at the Iowa High School State Cheerleading Competition at the Iowa State Fair Grounds in Des Moines.

The squad from Atlantic is scheduled to perform at 4:15 p.m. in the Jacobsen Building.

The cheerleaders have been practicing every weekend for the last three months in preparation for the state competition.

“We’re a little nervous, but if we hit all our stunts, we should place in the top half,” cheer coach Lindsey Hackman said.

At the competion the girls have to do a two and half minute performance with dance, cheer, and stunts.

Twelve girls are participating for AHS: seniors Kassidy Edwards, Cassie Long, and Sierra Larsen, juniors Tori Dolch, and Hope Bowker, sophomores Joey Nielsen, Jordan Nielsen, Kelsey Hamilton, Lauren Krogman, and Lexi Allen, and freshman Kate Fulk and Karly Monson.

The competition will take place at the state fairgrounds; admission is eight dollars.

The cheerleaders are having a dress rehearsal tonight in the AHS gym; if you would like to watch their performance without driving to Des Moines you are welcome to come watch.

Hackman commented, “Please support these girls as they sometimes can get the impression or feel like they are less important because they keep being told they are “only” cheerleaders.  They have put in A LOT of hard work and effort.”