Long gone are the days when cheerleading was considered to be just another school activity. Students in Georgetown County schools are continuing to prove that cheerleading is an intense sport.

According to Science Daily, cheerleading accounted for 65.1 percent of all sports-related injuries among high school females over the past 25 years.

Like other sports, cheerleading has its dangers, but it builds character as well as keeping students physically fit.

Waccamaw High School's cheerleading coach, Jennifer Hagaman considers competitive cheerleading to be a sport.

"I consider competition cheerleading to be a sport as we compete for state championships just like other sports. The South Carolina High School League recognizes competition cheerleading as a sport in South Carolina," Hagaman said.

Students on Waccamaw High School's competitive cheerleading squad practice four to five times a week after school, getting ready for Saturday competitions.

The squad is composed of females and one male who uses vigorous stunts and synchronized and choreographed dances for their routine.

With flips, toe touches, back-hand springs, and tumbles, these stunts could easily be seen at university- and professional-level cheerleading squads.

Without any complaints, the squad is able to balance school and cheerleading practice.

As members of the junior varsity and varsity squads, those on the competitive team attend competitions each Saturday.

The junior varsity and varsity squads practice during the summer, while the competitive squad begins in August.

The competitive squad started four years ago at WHS, the hard-working team made it to the lower state cheer finals.

"It was like winning the Super Bowl for the girls," Hagaman said. "Being able to make it to the state finals the first year being together was a great feat."

Andrews High School's cheerleading coach, Kim Cooper notices that cheerleading is considered to be a club, rather than one of the sports.

"Varsity cheerleaders are able to earn a letter and order a letter jacket," Cooper said. "If you letter in something, it should be recognized as a sport."

AHS cheerleaders practice during the week, and also during the summer.

Since, Cooper started coaching two years ago, the team has raised enough money to buy uniforms, windsuits, and pom poms.

The GHS squad practices throughout the summer until the school year starts.

Members are often a part of other activities at school, such as NJROTC and the GHS marching band.

They perform at basketball and football games throughout the school year.

Currently, Waccamaw High School has the only competitive cheerleading team in Georgeotown County.

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For more on the UNC-Chapel Hill study about sports injuries, visit the Web site www.sciencedaily.com.