If you thought cheerleading was all about pom-poms and pep rallies, think again.

The Richmond Hill competitive cheerleading team unveiled its new routine to friends and family Monday night ahead of their first meet of the year Saturday at Starr’s Mill High School. It was 2:30 of pure energy and athleticism as the girls mixed dance moves, back flips and tumbles set to music.

Coach Brittnee Coffman said several of the girls have a gymnastics background, which makes choreographing the performance easier.

“We come up with a routine for the season and then work on tweaking it,” she said. “The goal is to land every move at the same time.”

As the reigning regional champs, the team’s goal is to repeat and make another trip to the state tournament in November, where the Wildcats finished in the top 16 in 5A last year. About 30 schools will be competing at Saturday’s event, but schools are only matched up against others in the same class, meaning Richmond Hill will be going up against 6A schools this season.

Team members this year are: Caitlin Boothe, Caroline Branan, Camdyn Brazell, Heather Clifford, Brooke Cobetto, Taylor Cowart, Kaylie Delatorre, Sydney Fortson, Mackenzie Frei, Alyssa George, Hannah Gilkey, Allie Hill, Anastasia Holmes, Amber Lowrimore, Taylor Mason, Katie Merced, Jordan Person, Taylor Politowicz, Landin Strickland and Olivia Woodworth. They are coached by Coffman and Michael Riccio.

Coffman said 16 girls compete in a routine with four alternates. About half the team also participates in fall and winter cheerleading at football and basketball games. Several former Wildcats now cheer in college, including Georgia Southern, Valdosta State and the College of Coastal Georgia. Coffman said four others also work for the National Cheerleading Association, traveling the country conducting clinics.

The team practices three times a week for two hours at a time, making sure every move is synchronized.

“They take it very seriously,” Coffman said.