Enthusiasm in force

By Story and photos BRANDON KRUSE

November 19, 2006 | 12:00 a.m. CST

Competition fills Hearnes with extra-motivated cheerleaders

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Incarnate Word Academy performs Saturday at the Hearnes Center during the 5A competition of the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association State Championship.

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Meg Adams, a cheerleader for Central High School in St. Joseph, gets help from teammates before their performance on Saturday.

The pungent odor of hair spray filled the air Saturday afternoon at the Hearnes Center. The odd aroma, as well as the piercing shrieks of teenage girls, was just part of the featured activity — cheerleading.

Qualifying teams migrated to Columbia from all over the state Friday and Saturday to take part in the 17th Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association Competition. The event made for an interesting weekend with each group taking advantage of the opportunity to move its routines from the sideline to center stage.

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Rock Bridge’s cheerleading team performs a toe touch during its performance at the competition.