The cheer team entertained a crowd of more than 100 people atSunday’s preview of the team’s national competitionroutine.

People stood and sat on the lower level of the Dedman Center andgathered on the balcony to watch as the team prepared for its firstintercollegiate competition in 11 years.

“There was so much support,” said SaraO’Connell, the cheer coach and spirit coordinator.”This team is really lucky to have so many people behindit.”

And given Sunday’s performance, people are proud to standbehind the team.

“I thought it was awesome,” senior Liana Vettersaid. “It was a little nerve-racking seeing them do thetosses, but I think they’ll do great atcompetition.”

Parents of team members were also very pleased by theperformance.

“I think it is fantastic,” said Greg McKinney,sophomore cheerleader Kelly McKinney’s father. “It isso much fun to watch.”

Despite the fact that the team has not competed in 11 years,cheer team members are confident that they can make SMU proud.

“We are definitely the underdog,” Kelly McKinneysaid. “But I think we will do extremely well. Our team hasmore heart than other teams.”