LEVELLAND, Texas—The South Plains College cheerleading squad, led by head coach Linda McCulloch was one of a number of cheer squads from across the region that traveled to Abilene on Dec. 9 to show their support for Iraan-Sheffield ISD after tragedy struck their community.

The Iraan cheerleading squad was on their way back from a big victory over Munday on Dec. 2 when the bus carrying the cheer squad was struck by an 18-wheeler on U.S. Interstate 20 near Big Spring.

Liz Pope, the cheerleading sponsor for the Iraan, was killed in the accident at the age of 52. Several other cheerleaders were injured in the crash and were treated at University Medical Center in Lubbock.

In a show of solidarity and support for the Iraan community and its football program, cheer squads made their way to Abilene to stand in support for a community in time of need. Nearly 1,000 cheerleaders packed the stands during the Braves' 42-21 Regional Semi-Final victory of Wellington at Shotwell Stadium.

Iraan will now have an entire region rooting for them when they travel to Arlington, Texas for the state championship game at ATT Stadium at 10 a.m. on Dec. 15. The 15-0 Braves will matchup with the 15-0 Bremond Tigers which will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. It's safe to say the Braves will have an angel looking over them when they take to the field on Thursday morning.

Pictured:

Top row:

Ashlee Jones, Sarah Shillig, Skylar Chadwick

Middle:

Miah Hernandez, Rita Reyes, Linda McCulloch, Sierra Garza

Bottom:

Brianna Fuentes, Brittany Pete', Anakarina Millares-Rosiles, Anaki Gutierrez, Kristina Thorn