Mudgee High School sent 42 students to compete in three divisions at the national competition, and took fourth and fifth in the senior and junior stunt divisions, as well as taking first prize in the senior pom section.

This is the third successful competition this year for Mudgee High’s cheerleading team, who have already ranked well in the Cheer It Up competition and the state championships.

Having topped the state championships in two sections in 2007 and all three of their sections this year, the team has moved up a level and spent all year preparing to tackle the country’s top cheerleading title.

Senior team members Bec Wheeler and Kristal Woolley have each spent three years representing Mudgee High School on the cheerleading team.

Kristal got involved when she started Year 7 and stopped playing netball, expecting that cheerleading would be a great way to make friends and stay sporty.

Bec said cheerleading took a lot of strength and fitness, and required a lot of training.

Over the team’s four-year history, she said they had gradually improved their stunts and advanced their skills.

Mudgee High School’s senior stunt team includes five boys, who say cheerleading has plenty to offer for both sexes.

Ethan Marsh got involved because he wanted to learn to tumble and perform backflips.

Now, he said, he loves the sport, and won’t let the odd jibe stop him putting his all behind Mudgee’s champion team.

This year, the Mudgee High cheerleaders have performed locally at the Mudgee Public School fete and for kindergarten students at Cudgegong Valley Public School, and are preparing now to appear at McDonald’s for McHappy Day.