jQuery Grid Plugin - jqGrid

I am using the asp .net webform version of the jqgrid. Is there any way to avoid having to build the structure of the jqgrid every time on the server for every round trip? For example, I add 10 columns programatically to a jqgrid webform grid and load the page. Next, the control performs an ajax GET, and then I have to buld the grid columns again, then bind to my datasource. Is there any way to send back the data without having to build the columns out every time a request is made to my web page? If I skip adding the columns then I receive an error. Any help is appreciated. thanks