Dec. 12, 2004

Atlantic City, N.J - The Maryland competitive cheerleading team boasted its second event title this season after winning a weekend competition, Dec. 10 -12, in Atlantic City, N.J. The East Coast Challenge was a large cheerleading competition which drew nationally competitive teams.

The team ranked in first place after the first day of competition and held on to the title through the second day. The level of competition was raised this week. Maryland competed against Eastern Elite and Celebrity Cheer, two well-respected private cheerleading teams, in the all girls, open division.

"This competition prepared us much more for the type of competition we will see at Nationals", said coach Lura Fleece.

Maryland showed off its improved dance section, which the team had worked on since last weekend's performance. The routine was overall very clean, according to Fleece. During the university's winter holiday, the squad will be reworking some aspects of the routine and editing the music to be ready for upcoming competitions starting Jan. 16 in Freehold, N.J., at the World Cup Invitational.