For two girls who each cheer for the demise of the other's school athletics, Erica Childs and Jill Schnurbusch get along like old friends, smiling, laughing and even hugging goodbye.

Childs, a 17-year-old junior at Cape Girardeau Central High School, will join her squad as it performs a dual cheer with the cheerleaders from Notre Dame Regional High School at Monday's basketball game. The Tigers-Bulldogs dual cheer started in 2006 and shows no signs of stopping.

"The first time it was awkward," said Schnurbusch, 18, a cheerleader at Notre Dame who will take to the court for the fourth and final time Monday to perform with both squads.

"You didn't know what to expect," she said. She admitted she isn't close friends with any of the Tiger cheerleaders, but she likes seeing them and performing with them.

"I think it shows that we can be friends and get along despite being a rival," she said. "During the game, I want to beat Central, but I like them."

Childs sat next to her, nodding. This is her third time to combine with Notre Dame for the big game.

"I think it creates a positive atmosphere," Childs said.

Students at almost every high school sporting event have routine, and arguably rude, cheers to taunt the rival team.

"You just have to yell over them," Childs said.

The host team always makes up the cheer and the girls get together once to teach the other squad and practice. Despite the ice and snow, the girls were confident that the cheer would be ready in time for the 6 p.m. game Monday at Notre Dame.

This year, the coaches wanted to add more than camaraderie. They suggested the girls bring a donation to give to the Humane Society. They also plan to have the mascots pass a bucket to raise money for the cats and dogs.

charris@semissourian.com

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