Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Cheerleaders Capture First Place at NEPA Cheerleader Challenge
4/1/2004 7:00:00 AM | General
April 1, 2004
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Bucknell cheerleading squad recently entered its first competition, battling seven other squads at the NEPA Cheerleading Challenge at King's College, and after a flawless routine came away with the first place trophy in the College Co-ed Division.
Heather Walters, currently in her second year as the squad's head coach, was thrilled with the outcome and applauded her cheerleaders for their dedication and hard work. "The squad has juggled school work, cheering at Bucknell basketball games, weight training and three months of tough practices for a 2 ? minute routine, and their efforts paid off today," said a beaming Walters. "They deserve this honor and I am so proud of the way they represented Bucknell University and themselves out there on the floor."
The Bison took first place in a division that included squads from Penn State-Berks, Penn State-Altoona, King's College, Eastern University, Southern Virginia University, Wilmington College and Nyack College. The top honor didn't come without some tense moments, including a loss of their music during their routine. "With 30 seconds or so to go the music just stopped," recalled Walters. "The kids did a great job of staying focused and just worked their way through he remainder of the routine without any music. We felt pretty secure with our performance, and didn't petition for a second chance."
In addition to the team title, several cheerleaders picked up additional honors. In the individual cheer category, Kristy Langley captured first place, Aubrey Grosser finished second and co-captain Kendra Johnston was fourth. In the individual dance category Beth Ann Zarko placed fourth, and the stunt group of Grosser, Johnston, Langley, co-captain Rachel Snyder and Danielle Watson placed sixth. The tandem of Will Ding and Danielle Gutelius (along with spotter Josh Roark) captured first place in the Individual Co-ed Partner Stunt category. It was their second such honor this season after winning at a competition in Allentown back in November. Ding was approached by a representative of the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) following the event and asked if would consider joining the organization.
Other members of the squad who helped the Bison capture the College Co-ed Division included Matt Anderson, Karen Chen, Sandi Davidson, Tricia Elseroad, Allie Fleischer, Alaina Generazio and Nicole Holbrook.
