FSU Cheerleading Team Earns National Bid
Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University cheerleading
team kicked off the 2010-11 season with a bang this past week.
The FSU cheerleading team attended the 2010 National Cheerleaders
Association (NCA) Collegiate Summer Camp held last Saturday to
Monday (July 31-Aug. 2) at the University of Louisville in
Louisville, Ky. The Bulldogs took a second place trophy in
their respective division and earned a Bronze bid to compete at the
2011 NCA College Nationals slated to be held next April in Daytona
Beach, Fla.
"It was a wonderful experience for our team and everyone learned
so much," said FSU head coach Stacy Smith.
"The experience was priceless for our team and a great way to start
off another season."
During the camp, the members of the FSU team received personalized
instruction along with safety training and eduction
information. They also worked on creative and innovative
material as well as learning effective crowd leading "gameday"
programs.
"I'm so proud of our team for their efforts and accomplishments,"
said team captain Liz Billiel.
In addition to earning a bronze bid for next year's nationals, the
Bulldogs also placed second in the rally routine.
"We are still pumped about our bronze bid for nationals and the
rally routine," said team member Natasha
Lemmen. "It wasn't too shabby for our first year at
the event."
The 2011 NCA College Nationals will take place April 6-10 at The
Band Shell, Ocean Center and Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach.
The NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship offers teams
the opportunity to compete for their own national title while
enjoying the sun, surf and fun of Daytona Beach.
Last year, over 200 teams competed in 15 Divisions. The
Challenge Cup also ensures that all teams perform at least twice
with two chances to make the event finals.
Members of the Ferris State University cheerleading program
support the intercollegiate athletics program and the university by
leading cheers and raising the level of fan support for various
athletics teams. In addition, the cheer team serves as ambassadors
of the university at important public events.
The Ferris cheer team is considered a varsity sport on campus and
follows the eligibility requirements set up by the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). To tryout and remain on the
team, individuals must have a 2.0 GPA and have maintained 12 credit
hours per semester.
The Bulldog cheerleading team will perform throughout the fall
season at all Bulldog home football games, beginning with the Sept.
11 home opener versus Saginaw Valley State at Top Taggart
Field.
Photo Caption (left): Team members Kristina
Zywicki, Natasha Lemmen and Liz Billiel pose with the trophy.
