East Carolinian

Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: staff Photo

ECU's all-girl cheerleading squad competed and placed second in its division at the Cheersport National Cheerleading Championships in Atlanta last weekend. The squad finished ahead of in-state rivals North Carolina and N.C. State as well as national powerhouse Florida.

Cheersport, which was founded in 1993, held its first national competition in 1997. Over 30 teams competed in the inaugural event and it has since grown to include over 900 teams competing in about 100 divisions.

The ECU squad competed in the Level 4 All-Girl Division and finished just 10 points behind winner Newberry College (S.C.).

"This was our first time competing in this division," said all-girl coach Nickie Dixon. "Our goal as a team was not so much to focus on placing in the top, but to hit our routine and to earn the deserved respect from other well known cheerleading programs across the nation."

The all-girl squad was created in 2004 by head cheerleading coach Susie Glynn. The squad cheers at all the home football games and makes various appearances around the community in parades, radio shows and even birthday parties. With a season that runs from May until March, these girls put in a lot of work in the name of school spirit.

"The dedication that this team has and the bond that these 20 girls share is above anything I have ever seen," Dixon said. "I've never seen such a group of young ladies encourage one another, work to better themselves for their teammates."

And with such a rigorous practice schedule, it's not hard to see why.

"They practice three times a week for three hours, cheer games and attend 6 a.m. weight lifting workouts twice a week," Dixon said.

Squad members also mentioned how much hard work went into creating a successful team.

"We have been practicing for a long time," said freshman back-spot Carrie Gearhart. "Everyone's dedication and hard work has made us a lot better. Nickie [Dixon] really drove us to be better, and the seniors really wanted to win. That was a big influence."

But it wasn't all about competing for these girls, getting to know one another off the floor is just as important to their success as practice time.

"It was a really good bonding experience," Gearhart said. "We roomed with our stunt groups and did everything together and I think that brought us closer and made us a better team."

Continued...

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