March 31, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
As NCA Nationals draw closer, the Maryland competitive cheer team is still hard at work in the gym most days of the week. The Terps will compete with just 20 team members on the competition floor next week in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Sophomore Lauren Fong was one of the few freshmen that earned a spot on the performance floor with last year's national championship team. The Terrapins pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind win at the 2008 Nationals, despite not hitting their most perfect routine.
"We know what we have to do to win, but we didn't hit last year," said Fong. "This year is similar to last year because we still need to hit. There is a still a sense that we have to reclaim our title this year."
Fong explained that it's not just about hitting the routine, it's also about making it look easy to spectators and the judges. "There's a big difference between the two," she said.
Fong and the Terps will continue to work to make their performance look easy over the next week until they leave for Daytona Beach.
