Wayland varsity cheerleaders have been designing their own competition routines for the upcoming competitions on the 1st and 6th of November in Shrewsbury and Westford. In recent weeks, the cheerleaders have taken up the challenge, putting in extra time for preparation in addition to practicing for the high school football games.

Unlike many of their rival teams, Wayland cheerleaders are preparing for their performances without any help from professional choreographers.

Captains Meghan Kelley, Kristin Hehir, and Kayla Whittemore have been using their personal time to plan out creative and unique routines. These routines consist of numerous sections including tumbling, stunting, cheering, and dancing.

With hopes to excel in the upcoming competitions, cheerleaders are going beyond the requirements and expectations, some participating in extra conditioning and tumbling classes after practice.

“The team has been working really hard and a lot of progress is being made,” said Mary Backman, a sophomore on the team.

Although the cancellation of the team’s first scheduled competition on October 16th provided some extra time for the cheerleaders to prepare, they are still pressed for time as they make some final touches to their routines.

The competition in Shrewsbury is invitational and the one in Westford is a DCL competition. If the cheerleaders win their second competition, they will move on to regionals, which is to be held on November 16th in Burlington.

“Cheerleaders appreciate any kind of support and hope to see many fans at the competitions,” said Whittemore.