The TCMS Knight Cheerleaders at the Fairmont Cheer Classic held Saturday, January 30, 2010.

The Taylor County Middle School (TCMS) Cheerleaders have been hard at work over the past few months preparing for the winter cheerleading competition.

As basketball season started, the cheerleaders hit the court and began practicing a new routine and presentation for competition.

The cheerleaders held regular practices and extensive Saturday practices where they were drilled, drilled, and drilled again. The team spent hours refining and fine tuning sharp precise movements, where the execution and timing of routine are crucial.

The TCMS Cheerleaders traveled to Fairmont State University on Saturday, January 30, 2010, for the Fairmont Cheer Classic. The Fairmont State University gymnasium echoed with the chatter and enthusiasm of cheerleaders, coaches, parents, family and friends.

The gymnasium segregated the twelve competing teams on one side of the court and spectators on the other side.

The participating teams in the Middle School Small Division include Andrew Jackson Middle, Romney Middle, Capon Bridge, Oceanna, Dunbar Middle, West Fairmont Middle, Musselman Middle, Clay County Middle, and Monongah Middle.

In the Middle School Large Division was East Fairmont Junior High and Taylor County Middle School. The junior Varsity Division was made up of John Marshall J.V.

Located at the center court sidelines, where a panel of judges with the tedious task of scoring the teams. The teams are judged in four different categories.

The categories include the technical cheer, the open also referred to as the routine, the overall appeal, and team projection.

As the TCMS Knight Cheerleaders took to the court, they appeared confident and ready to wow the crowd.

At sound off, the cheerleader’s vocal abilities, excitement, and sharp delivery of movements for the technical cheer took some by surprise.

Next, the team took position to perform the open, to include the tumbling and stunting aspect of the competition.

As the beat of the music sounded, the cheerleaders put into motion the high energy and intense movements needed to pull off the choreography, while maintaining the facials and precision required.

It was obvious to the team and crowd that the hard work and long hours of practice paid off for the TCMS Cheerleaders. Upon completion of the routine the team sighed of relief, but were also pleased with their accomplishments.

The TCMS Knight Cheerleaders received a second place trophy in their division. Way to go Knights!