Competitive Cheerleading (Acrobatics & Tumbling)
Competitive cheer
History
editCompetitive cheer was established as a varsity sport by the University of Maryland's Athletic Director, Deborah Yow in 2003[1]. The University of Maryland was the first Division 1 institution to recognize competitive cheer as a varsity sport [2]. Controversy as to whether competitive cheer should meet the requirements of Title IX, existed at the time (and continues to exist in 2013 [3] [4]) [5]. The National Collegiate Athletic Association did not, and does not recognize competitive cheer as a sport [3].
In 2011, along with other universities including Baylor and Fairmont State, the University of Maryland cheer team changed its name to Acrobatics & Tumbling. At this time, they became an inagural member of the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA). At the time of the name change and establishment of NCATA, Acrobatics and Tumbling was submitted to the NCAA for consideration in emerging sport status[6].
Later that same year, the Acrobatics and Tumbling team was among seven athletic programs that were cut due to budget cuts at the University[7].
After the program was cut, many of the remaining Acrobatic and Tumbling members joined the "Spirit Squad".[8] The spirit squad cheers at University athletic events, such as football and basketball games[9].
Head coaches
edit| Years as head coach | Name | Alumni status |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-06 | Lura Fleece | Maryland '91 |
| 2006-07 | ||
| 2007-11 | Jarnell Bonds | Maryland '02 [10] |
| 2011-12 | ||
| 2012-13 | Jamie Lynn Little |
National Awards
editThe 2004 squad competed in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition in Daytona in April 2004, placing 7th overall[1]. In 2005, the squad placed 2nd overall. In 2006
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 7th place[2] |
| 2005 | 2nd place[11] |
| 2006 | 1st place, National Champions |
| 2007 | 1st place, National Champions |
| 2008 | 1st place, National Champions |
| 2009 | |
| 2010 | 1st place, National Champions |
Football Cheerleading continues to
Changed name to Acrobatics & Tumbling in 2011, along with other universities, including Baylor and Fairmont State. Inagural member of the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Associate (NCATA). At the time of the name change and establishment of NCATA, Acrobatics and Tumbling was submitted to the NCAA for consideration in emerging sport status[6].
A&T cut in 2011 decision[7],
Many A&T members joined the "Spirit Squad" after the dissolution of the A&T program[8]
The spirit squad cheers for football and basketball games[9]
References 1 2003-04 media guide 2 http://www.umterps.com/sports/comp-cheer/spec-rel/051311aab.html 3 http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-04-13/sports/35453053_1_neena-chaudhry-female-athletes-title-ix 4 2004-05 media guide 5 2005-06 media guide 6 http://www.umterps.com/sports/w-acro/md-w-acro-body.html 7 http://www.umterps.com/sports/comp-cheer/spec-rel/071911aaa.html 8 In the Spirit of Title IX; U-Md. Makes Cheerleading a Sport: [FINAL Edition] Badger, Emily. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 27 Sep 2003: A.01. 9 No immediate changes for Maryland athletic program after cheerleading ruling Yanda, Steve. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 23 July 2010: D.2. 10 Maryland loses seven programs Giannotto, Mark. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 03 July 2012: D.3. 11 Former acrobatics and tumbling gymnasts join spirit squad Posted: Friday, September 21, 2012 12:12 am | Updated: 12:29 am, Mon Sep 24, 2012. 12 http://www.umterps.com/trads/md-spirit-squad.html
References
edit- ^ a b 2003-04 media guide
- ^ a b 2004-05 media guide
- ^ a b http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-04-13/sports/35453053_1_neena-chaudhry-female-athletes-title-ix
- ^ No immediate changes for Maryland athletic program after cheerleading ruling Yanda, Steve. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 23 July 2010: D.2.
- ^ In the Spirit of Title IX; U-Md. Makes Cheerleading a Sport: [FINAL Edition] Badger, Emily. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 27 Sep 2003: A.01.
- ^ a b http://www.umterps.com/sports/comp-cheer/spec-rel/051311aab.html
- ^ a b Maryland loses seven programs Giannotto, Mark. The Washington Post [Washington, D.C] 03 July 2012: D.3.
- ^ a b Former acrobatics and tumbling gymnasts join spirit squad Posted: Friday, September 21, 2012 12:12 am | Updated: 12:29 am, Mon Sep 24, 2012.
- ^ a b http://www.umterps.com/trads/md-spirit-squad.html
- ^ http://www.umterps.com/sports/comp-cheer/spec-rel/071911aaa.html
- ^ 2005-06 media guide