Aug. 3, 2005

Knoxville, TN - The Winston-Salem State University Varsity Cheerleaders are trying new things this year, one of which occurred July 29th - July 31st, 2005. The Lady Rams' squad attended a collegiate cheerleading camp hosted by the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

The camp focused on all the key areas of cheerleading. The WSSU cheerleaders attended clinics on proper stunting techniques, effective sideline management and sideline cheers, as well as a seminar on the new rules that will be implemented this year by the NCAA regarding safety in cheerleading.

Each day the cheerleaders in attendance performed what they learned in front of UCA staff members and were evaluated accordingly. They received feedback in order to perfect their routines for the final day of camp where they competed against all of the small-school co-ed teams.

The Lady Rams faced stiff competition from the national champion Morehead State University cheerleaders, the University of Cincinnati, Appalachian State University, the University of Memphis and several other nationally-prominent squads. Despite the high level of competition, the Lady Rams not only held their own, but excelled.

The WSSU cheerleading squad worked hard over the three-day period and they immediately saw dividends. The Lady Rams returned home with a fifth place trophy for their cheer, captured the spirit award for their division, a earned a plaque for the best traditional cheer.

In addition to the awards, the Lady Rams returned to Winston-Salem, NC with several new ways to improve the cheerleading program at Winston Salem State University. The camp was a huge success, as the Lady Rams look forward to displaying what they learned in the coming academic year.

For additional information on WSSU Cheerleading, or to arrange interviews with coaches or team members, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com