University Relations > News > News 2009 > March

Lander University Cheerleaders place in conference-wide competition

Publ. Date: March 13, 2009

Office of University Relations and Publications

Cheerleaders

The Lander University Cheerleading Team placed second runner-up in the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Cheerleading Competition in March at USC Aiken. Kneeling, from left, are: Asia Philson of Fountain Inn; Lauren Wiley of Greenwood; Dawn Green of North Charleston; Anna Wood of Ware Shoals; Jessica Burroughs of North Augusta; and Lauren Sitz of Duncan. Standing, from left, are: Magan Bobo of Anderson; Erin Powell of Indian Land; Hillary Long of Prosperity; Lindsey Bannister of Honea Path; Skylar Cheatwood of Boiling Springs; Danessa Kilpatrick of Anderson; Marisa Worley of Clinton; Summer Bruce of Landrum; and Lander cheerleading coach Kim Schoolfield.

As the smallest team competing in the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Cheerleading Competition, the Lander University Cheerleading Team might have been considered the underdogs.

After two minutes in front of the judges, however, the 14-member team proved they had as much spirit as the top dogs, placing second runner-up in the competition held in March at USC Aiken. The event took place in conjunction with the Peach Belt Basketball Tournament.

"We were definitely the underdog going into the competition, but the girls worked hard and they weren't discouraged about being the smallest team. They held their own against the larger teams," said Lander cheerleading coach Kim Schoolfield. "They really represented Lander well and proved that they are a small, all-girl team to be taken seriously."

Lander's squad, which was composed of members of the university's cheerleading and dance teams, was not only the smallest team competing in the event, but also the only all-girl team, Schoolfield said. Rounding out the competition were: Armstrong Atlantic State University, Columbus State University, Georgia College and State University and North Georgia College and State University.

Each team had a maximum of two-and-a-half minutes to perform and showcase their abilities in communication, originality, group technique, fundamental cheerleading skills and perfection of routine. Judges also awarded points for overall effect and crowd appeal – which Schoolfield said was a definite strength for the Lander team.

"Numerous spectators approached us after the competition, and they were highly complimentary of the girls' performance on the mat that day, and also on the sidelines. I believe we were certainly one of the crowd favorites this year," she said. "The judges' comments also included that they loved our energy and excitement."

Because Lander's cheerleading team does not perform extensive stunts or acrobatics during athletic events at the university, competitions give the team a chance to show off the full extent of their talents, Schoolfield said.

"In competitions, the team has the chance to really be in the spotlight and put their entire focus on entertaining the crowd," she added. And with the positive feedback the team received from judges and spectators, Schoolfield said that spotlight is looking brighter than ever.

"Coming out of this competition with such a victory has encouraged us to explore additional competitive opportunities for next season," Schoolfield said.