The Savannah State Cheerleading squad participated in the nation's largest cheerleading competition, the Cheersport Nationals, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, for the first time in the school's history this past weekend.
In the opening day, the Lady Tigers warmed up with 20 teams prior to taking the stage. In their first competition coach Fletcher admitted the breadth and production value of the staging was overwhelming for her cheerleaders. SSU finished with a score of 66.35 after 3.50 in deductions.
After the experience of day one, SSU was more prepared for the second day of competition.
SSU completed day two with a score of 68.46 with 2.50 in deductions. The Lady Tigers finished the College Level 4 series in eighth place with a final score of 68.01.
The University of Georgia won the College Level 4 series with a score of 75.39, followed by the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with a score of 72.78. East Tennessee State University finished in third, followed by Brenau Cheerleading, King University, Widener University and Polk State College.
Savannah State presented a modified routine at Cheersport based on the one seen at the Jam-bash Series. They adjusted their pyramid for College Level 4 and modified their stunts to be on the same level as their tumbling routine.
Along with being the first appearance for Savannah State in the Cheersport Nationals, the Lady Tigers were only the sixth Historical Black College and University (HBCU) to participate in the event.
The SSU Cheerleaders have participated in two major competitions prior to the annual MEAC Cheer Championship, scheduled for March 10 in Norfolk, Virginia.
This was the first year SSU cheer has scheduled multiple competitions. The Lady Tigers won the Jam-bash Series Elite Division I Coed Collegiate Cheer category national championship earlier this month in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Lady Tigers were joined by several supporters, including the Windsor Forrest All-Stars, from Windsor Forrest High School in Savannah, Georgia, who stayed after their own competition to cheer the Lady Tigers on.
Cheersport is the world's largest National Cheerleading & Dance Championship. In their 16th year the competition has grown to over 900 teams.
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