Maryland Wins Atlantic Cheer and Dance Championships
March 20, 2005
FAIRFAX, Va. - The Maryland competitive cheer team won the Atlantic Cheer and Dance Championships at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The meet represented the Terps' final tune-up before the NCA College Nationals next month.
Maryland's chief competition, Morgan State, placed second. Wilmington, Seton Hall and Villa Julie also participated at the Championships.
"We have much more difficulty in our routine [than Morgan State], but they're clean," Maryland head coach Lura Fleece said. "All our pyramids hit, and our tumbling was great."
Fleece said Sunday's competition was a huge adjustment for the tumblers, as the competition took place on a non-spring floor in preparation for Nationals, which also use a non-spring floor. Most of Maryland's previous competitions have occurred on spring floors.
Another adjustment came when Fleece cut the squad to 20 competing members, down from the normal 24 or 25, as only 20 cheerleaders are allowed to compete at Nationals.
The Terps got good scores in choreography, and judges called the routine, "fun to watch" and "very visual."
Fleece said the squad still needs to work on jumps and transitions, but "overall, we're so ready for Nationals. There's a good feeling on the team. Everyone's feeling very positive. We're ready for the next step."
The NCA Nationals take place April 6-10 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
