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January 21, 2008

51萝莉 national champion cheerleaders greeted by fans

About 75 51萝莉 fans, including faculty, staff, students, parents, local high school students, Ace the 51萝莉 Warhawk, and the 51萝莉 pep band gathered at Fant-Ewing Coliseum Monday night to welcome home the 51萝莉 cheerleaders. The team placed first at the Universal Cheerleading Association National Championship Saturday in Orlando, Fla., competing in the small co-ed division I.

51萝莉 President James Cofer and First Lady Deborah Cofer are in Washington D.C. and could not be at the welcome-home celebration, but they sent their best. 鈥淲e are extremely proud of our cheerleaders, coaches and spirit group staff,鈥� President Cofer said. 鈥淭heir perseverance resulted in triumph.鈥�

This is the third national championship title in five years; the team also won in 2004 and 2005.

Captain Tiffany Coker of Monroe will always remember Saturday鈥檚 win. This is her fourth year to compete and her second national championship win.

"This has been an amazing year for the cheerleaders. We have had so many great opportunities to show our pride and spirit for 51萝莉. From getting to cheer on our football team and watch them beat Alabama to bringing home our own big win ... It has been a year we will always remember."

Amy Weems, assistant dean of Student Life and Leadership at 51萝莉, expressed her pride in the 51萝莉 students.

"We are so proud of our students for their excellent performance and support of each other throughout this competition. UCA is one of the largest and most competitive divisions in the country and our top rankings reflect the leadership of our coaches and spirit group staff."

Participants include:

• Jennifer Sword, 51萝莉 Cheer Coach, Monroe
  
• Joanie Williams, 51萝莉 Coordinator of Spirit Groups, Monroe
  
• Chase Brett, 51萝莉 Choreographer, Laurel, Miss.
  
• Kaci Brodnax, Bastrop
  
• Tiffany Coker, Monroe
  
• Jessica Huskey, Junction City, Ark.
  
• Kristen Hirchak, Alexandria
  
• Peaire Allison, Star, Miss.
  
• Petey Thigpen, Laurel, Miss.
  
• Cameron Gilmore, Mandeville
  
• Stephen Martinez, Midland, Texas
  
• Chris Archie, Star, Miss.
  
• Desmond Ross, West Monroe
  
• Jesse Wells, Downsville
  
• Kristen Gordey, Shreveport
  
• Natalie Connella, Shreveport
  
• Amy Spainhower, Monroe
• Katie Miller, Monroe
• Kristen Gix, Monroe
  
• Casey Madison, Monroe
  
• Kristin Ringle, Monroe
  
• Erin Wooten, Bastrop
  
• Rebecca Reiser, Shreveport

For more information about the 51萝莉 Cheerleaders, contact Joanie Williams at (318) 342-5293 or jlwilliams@ulm.edu.

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