Jan. 17, 2004
ATLANTA, Ga. - The University of Maryland's competitive cheerleading team is in second place after the first day of competition at the 2004 Cheersport. The Terps trail first place Florida and will compete again tonight to add to their score. Final rankings will be determined as the composite of the two-day competition.
Cheersport is the annual national cheerleading and dance competition, where high school, elite level and college squads compete in their respective divisions. Head coach Lura Fleece was pleased at the Terps' position going into day two.
"The stage was a lot bigger than the one we normally practice on," Fleece said. "I think the freshmen needed some time adjusting. I switched the formation a little at this morning's practice so that we won't have as many touchdowns as we had on Saturday."
The young team is comprised of 16 underclassmen, many of whom have not had experience competing at such a high level. However, co-captains Jessica Walter and Emily Pieplow provide the squad with the needed strength, leadership and energy.
The experience at Cheersport will be an asset to the Terps as they get ready for Nationals, which will be held in early April. Maryland will use the same routine for Nationals, according to Fleece.
"Our routine currently is approximately two and a half minutes long," Fleece said. "The time limit for Daytona is just around two. Plus, we will increase the skill difficulty and make the routine harder."
Maryland is scheduled to perform at 9:24 p.m. tonight and will return back to College Park early Monday morning.
Day One Standings:
College Open Elite All-Girl (COEAG)
1. Florida Elite Allstars Gainesville
2. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
3. University of Georgia All-Stars
4. NC State All Girl Cheerleading
5. Raleigh Rage Open All Girl
6. Legend Open All Girl
