Tribe Cheer Heads to World Championships

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The girls and guys at a metro gym are making Oklahoma cheerleading history. Teams from Tribe Cheer will soon be headed to a world competition.

"We do it over and over until it's perfected and we get it right," cheerleader Brittney Groff said.

And dedication and praise from familiar voices keep them at the top.

"It's just hearing that comfortable voice they know to give them the confidence to do what they need to do," Tribe Cheer Coach Brent Steele said.

Every time they enter the gym, the cheerleaders from Tribe Cheer are reminded of their past and future. The teams practice hours on end, several times a week all in preparation for competition. This time they're taking on the world.

"We are the first gym to take two teams to represent Oklahoma and the United States in the Cheerleading World Championships," Coach Steele said.

While their tumbling and stunts look effortless it can be painful getting there.

"We break bones. We bruise. We get sore every practice," Brittney said. "I've cheered since I was 8-years-old. I have a big passion for it and it keeps me out of trouble."

Even she has disappointments, but she says it's about getting back up and doing it again.

"It's not easy but you get there," Brittney said.

It's that spirit that makes these coaches and parents so proud.

"I'm just amazed at the talent and the energy that they have, and how athletic they are," parent Debbie Archer said.

Now they look ahead to the competition and the payoff. The world competition is in Orlando, Florida April 25 and 26.

"All the preparation you've done all year is for that one moment," Coach Steele said.