High school STUNT is a new program based off of a more competitive form of cheerleading. STUNT takes the college-level sport requirements and blends them with the traditions of cheerleading.

Two teams face head to head on the mats with one referee in the center, who decides which team best executes the given routine. The main objective is to perform with sharpness and technique.

The sport of STUNT gives females another opportunity to excel at college-level sports, while maintaining their passion and school spirit.

This year will be the third year that Rocklin High takes part in this sport, along with several other high schools in the area. Last year, Rocklin’s STUNT team, coached by Ashley Berry, went all the way to the state championships and brought home the win.

“It was really amazing to bring home this title! It was special because we went into five rounds of overtime against Antelope who is our all time rival,” STUNT veteran Maddie Grossmann said. “Beating them made [the win] that much sweeter! The energy of the team was amazing and it was one of the best feelings ever.”

This year, the STUNT team is expected to have a total of 36 members. However, not every girl on the team will be performing in each skill. For example, those who are outstanding tumblers may not do the opening stunt routine, and those who are amazing flyers but have a sub-par toe touch will not perform in the jumps sequence.

After tryouts concluded, STUNT ended with 33 members, plus a few coaches. It is assumed that everyone who does cheerleading will do STUNT, and vise versa, but that is not the case. Yes, there are a large group of girls that so both, but there are also a good amount of new members to this program.

Junior Gillian Flowers is starting her first season of stunt this year.

“Tryouts were really scary but I pushed really hard. I was both happy and surprised when I found out I made it. So far the season is really fun and I have been learning a lot and I am really excited for this season,” Gillian said.

There will be high expectations for the new team, who will get the chance to show their skills once tournaments and games begin.

“I am nervous and anticipating the tournaments that are coming up; I am excited to tumble and stunt a lot and look forward to a great season,” junior Gabbi Parker explains.

STUNT this year is expected to be better than ever. With the help of coach Ashley Berry, the newly formed team will work to maintain their championship title for this new and exciting sport.