May 13, 2011
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland, Baylor and Fairmont State have united in changing the name of the sport previously known as competitive cheer on their campuses to acrobatics and tumbling, the schools jointly announced Friday.
With this name change, all six inaugural members of the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association are now united under the same sport name. Azusa Pacific, Baylor, Fairmont State, Maryland, Oregon and Quinnipiac were the NCATA's founding members during the organization's inaugural season in 2011.
"The University of Maryland is pleased to unify with the other five schools in the NCATA in renaming our team acrobatics and tumbling. We felt this move further shows the conference's commitment to gaining emerging sport status from the NCAA," Maryland Assistant Athletics Director Ryan Bowles said.
Unifying the six acrobatics and tumbling programs in their name further supports the NCATA and their emerging sport proposal for acrobatics and tumbling recently submitted to the NCAA.
This sport has evolved tremendously since its inception here at the University of Maryland in 2003. We have gone from competing a 2:30 routine to a meet composed of six skill events, including the 2:30 routine," head coach Jarnell Bonds said. "'Acrobatics and Tumbling' is more reflective of the changes that the sport has experienced and the specific skill set required of the athletes. The skill set and competition format evolution warranted a not only a name change this season, but the official meet sanctioning by USA Gymnastics as well. "
"Our sport is making great strides toward gaining NCAA emerging sport status. Though there have been plenty of changes involved in this process one thing will remain unchanged, this program will continue the dynasty and superior performance that recruits, fans, and competitors expect from The University of Maryland."
The acrobatics and tumbling season begins in February. Complete schedules will be released in the fall.
- Terps -
