Teams prove their elite status in competitions

Cheerleading shouldn't be dismissed, said Briana Hurlston, 17.

"Everyone thinks that it's not a sport, but that's not true. We have to practice and condition just like they do in football and other sports," she said. "We have to be strong enough to lift people, do stunts and things like that. So it really is a sport."

There are competitions to be won, and the Southern Elite Youth All-Star and the Southern Elite Senior All-Star cheerleaders have the trophies to prove it.

The youth team has won 20 trophies, and the senior team has won 90, including one for the U.S.A. Cheerleading Federation national competition in 2003.

"It's been a good 10 years. I know as a coach you're not going to win them all, but we try every time we hit the floor," said Tami Wright, the head coach and founder of both teams.

Although they have won trophies, the teams still get excited about competing.

"It's an adrenaline rush. You feel like your stomach is going up and then when you get out there and start performing, it all settles," said Crystal Self, 15.

It's also intense for the coaches, Ms. Wright said.

"For me, it's a rush. It's two minutes, 30 seconds (the time of a routine) on the edge of your seat," she said.

Winning doesn't come without hard work. Every Saturday, the teams practice routines that are a combination of gymnastics, stunts, cheering and choreographed dance to prepare for competitions in Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas. Practicing, traveling and competing together have made the teams very close-knit, said the members.

"It's kind of like my family away from my family. We all get along. We have been together for years," said senior team member Lauren Ladun, 19.

Lauren and Briana help coach the junior team. They said that they have a bond with the younger girls.

"They look up to you, so it's like you're in a leadership position," Lauren said.

"They become like your little sisters," Briana said.

In addition to the Southern Elite Senior All-Star and Southern Elite Youth All-Star teams, Ms. Wright coaches the Hephzibah middle and high school junior varsity and varsity cheerleading teams.

Coaching five teams can create a busy schedule, but Ms. Wright doesn't mind.

"It's in my blood. It's a passion," she said. "It's what I live for."