This year, for the first time in the Sioux Falls School District, cheer and dance are considered varsity sports. School leaders say the change is aimed at getting more girls involved in sports.

Cheer and dance have been in schools for years. But starting this year, cheerleaders won't only be supporting athletes on the sidelines, and dancers won't just be entertaining during halftime, they'll also be competing. Lincoln High cheerleader and dancer, Betzi Johnson says, "We work every day after school and it's so much hard work, but it's a big pay off in the end. It's just like a basketball gave if you win it."

In the past, more boys than girls have competed in varsity sports in many of Sioux Falls' public schools. The hope is, cheer and dance will help to even up those numbers. Since they're now considered varsity sports, that means each program also gets money from the school. For those who argue dance and cheer aren't really sports, Lincoln's Head Dancing Coach believes you couldn't be more wrong. Robyn Morrow says, "I think people have no idea the amount of time it takes for a dance team to get ready for competition." Lincoln Cheerleading Coach, Katie Pabst says, "We do a lot of running, we do a lot of push-ups, we do a lot of sit-ups, and I don't think people realize how much strength it takes to do it."  So the girls will keep working and striving. They say this is an entirely different year, with new challenges, but they're ready to be recognized as a varsity team. Betzi says, "We get really close with each other and it's just a really good experience for anybody. So I'm glad the school is finally getting involved with it."

The first competition will be held September 13th in Yankton.