Sept. 4, 2003

TRYOUT INFORMATION

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Have you ever dreamt of being a Maryland cheerleader? If so, now is your chance. And for the first time, opportunities are available for the all-new competitive cheer team, in addition to the spirit squad.

Maryland cheerleading was declared the newest varsity sport on Aug. 28 and now, both the competitive cheer team and spirit squad will be holding tryouts Sept. 8-9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Comcast Center Gymnasium. The University of Maryland is one of the first schools in the country to declare cheerleading a varsity sport and you could be a part of it.

The all-female competitive cheer team, under the direction of former Maryland cheerleaders Lura Fleece and Jarnell Bonds, will begin a 10-competition schedule in December and conclude with an appearance at the national championships in Daytona Beach, Fla., in early April. With its status as a varsity sport, scholarships will now be awarded to the competition team members. In the first year, the equivalent of four full scholarships will be available for a squad of approximately 25 women. An additional eight scholarships will be phased in over the course of the next two years, bringing to 12 the total number of scholarships awarded on an annual basis.

In addition to the available scholarship money, athletes will enjoy pre-registration for classes, priority housing and access to all varsity athletic facilities-among other things.

The Terrapin spirit squad, which is separate from the competitive cheer team, will continue to perform at football and basketball games and other related events. Book scholarships, access to academic support and varsity athletic services and free cheer and dance accessories are just some of the many benefits that come with being a member of the spirit squad.

For more information on tryouts, contact Lura Fleece (Competitive Cheer) at 410-312-0171 or lurafleece@comcast.net , or Tracy Ricker (Spirit Squad) at 240-882-3631 or tmricker@aol.com .