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UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Cheerleaders Recognized

August 7, 2012

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

August 7, 2012

The University of Texas at Tyler Cheer Squad was recognized at this year’s Universal Dance Association Collegiate Camp held at Texas State University in San Marcos.

The team earned superior trophies for their performances in the fight song and sideline routines, and university mascot ‘Swoop’ was rated superior. The cheerleaders also received blue ribbons in new cheers/chants and fight song routine evaluations. About 40 squads representing Division I universities through junior colleges nationwide participated.

“We had a great time at camp. UCA provides us an opportunity to make new friendships and bring home experiences and memories. I have high expectations for my team this year. I have a young group, but they are anxious to get started with the season. I look forward to their accomplishments this upcoming year,” said Carla Turner, UT Tyler Cheer Squad coach.

Members, listed by hometown with classification, are:

ATHENS – Megan Huckaby, freshman.

DALLAS – Lisa Giovaninni, sophomore.

DEER PARK – Amy Bice, freshman.

GRANBURY – Matt Stakes, senior.

HOUSTON – Eliza Vega, freshman.

HUGHES SPRINGS – Jaimie Burson, senior.

KEMAH – Halie Williams, freshman.

LINDALE – Nick Stracener, junior.

QUINLAN – Courtnie King, junior.

TEXARKANA – Maggie Pappas, freshman.

TYLER – Sarah Jones, freshman.

WHITEHOUSE – Skylar Dillingham, graduate student and Kelsey Mundt, freshman.

LOUISIANA – Shelbey Simpson, junior.

They learned new cheers/chants, sideline routines and stunts including: basket tosses, pyramids and advanced group/multi-base stunts. The camp provides new material for UT Tyler athletics, Turner added.

The UT Tyler Cheer Squad performs at all home athletics events, on campus and in the community. They also are university ambassadors as part of the UT Tyler Spirit Squads with the Patriot Dancers.

For more information, contact Turner, 903.565.5634 or cturner@uttyler.edu.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 7,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.