(BLUEFIELD)–The Bluefield State College cheerleading squad will compete for a national championship soon. The 13-member team and coach Kim Long has qualified to participate in the 2003 U.C.A. College Cheerleading National Championship at Walt Disney World Resort. The Orlando, FL event brings together 13 teams from NCAA Division II colleges and universities throughout the United States to compete in the "all girls" category, one of several categories in the four-day program, January 9-12, 2003.

"I’m very proud of the girls," Long (now in her second season as BSC cheerleading coach) noted. "They’ve worked hard and have overcome many challenges. Qualifying for the nationals is a tremendous accomplishment for the cheerleaders and for Bluefield State College."

The BSC team submitted a videotape of its performance and was recently notified that it had been selected to advance to the semifinals of the Division II competition. Team members include Leah Acord, Charity Massey, Nina Brown, Karen Snyder, Amanda Lawson, Tiffany Cosby, Mandi Cocus, Jessica Vance, Tami Key, Cheri Johnson, Krista Clearwater, Jennifer Riggins, and Jenny Blevins. "We’ve practicing as often as possible," Long noted. The College Cheerleading National Championship will be telecast nationally on ESPN.

The BSC cheerleading coach explained that, in addition to practice responsibilities, team members are working to raise funds to underwrite the cost of traveling to the national competition. "We need donations," Long said. "It will cost more than $6,000 for us to attend and participate in the event. We’ve already conducted two fund-raising activities and we will be having additional fund-raisers. Any donations will be greatly appreciated." Individuals or organizations interested in providing assistance to defray the team’s travel costs are encouraged to contact Long at (304) 325-6266.

November 7, 2002