Caitlin Ireland, a 16-year-old junior at Washburn Rural High School, was in her second year of coaching Christian-based Upward cheerleading this past November when she came up with an idea.

Rather than working with girls ages 4 to 12 only during basketball season, why not start a competitive Christian cheerleading squad that met throughout the year?

Ireland talked it over with friend Alyssa Bauer, 16, another Washburn Rural junior and Upward cheerleading coach at Western Hills Baptist Church. With the blessing of their parents, the girls embarked on a new cheerleading squad called the Stars.

Team practices are to start in May, with an informational meeting at 4 p.m. today at Top City Gym, 5050 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

"We'll get to cheer, and we'll get to talk about Christ," Ireland sad. "We'll get to spend more time with the girls."

Ireland, who has cheered competitively, said some parents have expressed interest in a Christ-centered approach to cheerleading. Several young girls already are committed to be with the Stars program, and Ireland is hoping more will follow.

Two age groups are planned: the Shining Stars for those ages 5 to 8; and the Super Stars for girls ages 7 to 11.

Beyond teaching the essentials of cheering, tumbling and stunting, the Stars program will have a period of practice each week set aside as "circle time," when the girls will get a chance to grow in their relationship with God.

Additionally, girls will be rewarded for good behavior and positive participation in practices.

Ireland said her hope is the group will be able to perform several times this summer before launching into cheerleading competitions starting in September.

Like many children's activities, cheerleading isn't cheap. Ireland said she and Bauer compared prices of other competitive cheerleading groups in the Topeka area and came up with a fee they believe will be affordable for most people.

She said the total cost for the team will be about $100 a month, excluding uniforms, which she said was less than what some teams charge in gym fees alone.

Ireland said cheerleading doesn't always enjoy the best of reputations, something else that figured into parental interest in the Stars program. Ireland said girls with the Stars will dress modestly and will emphasize the sports and teamwork aspects of cheerleading.

"Some cheerleading has a little bit of a bad rap," she said. "We want to change that and show that it's a sport."

A goal of the Stars program, she said, is for girls to develop their skills to such a degree that they could entertain thoughts of cheering for their high school or college sports teams.

"Our goal is to make great cheeerleaders," Ireland said, "but, more importantly, great people."

Wendy Cobler-Chambers, who runs Top City Gym, where the Stars will be practicing, applauded Ireland's efforts for helping start the new Christian cheerleading squad.

"I think it's great they want to do something like this and work with kids," Cobler-Chambers said. "This is a chance for them to teach the kids about cheerleading and help guide them through life."

For more information, call (785) 862-1617.