South Jersey Cheerleading:
American Cheer Classic Held at Rutgers-Camden

Sunday, November 21, 1999

By Joanne Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

The competition was stiff at American Cheer Classic's 1999 competition held Sunday, November 21, at Rutgers University in Camden, and the Judges had their work cut out for them with the well-trained and spirited teams presenting the fruits of their hard work and discipline. The task at hand for the judges was even more daunting with the sheer volume of participating cheerleaders with a total of 40 teams representing 12 organizations from the tri-state area.

The American Cheer Competition is directed and produced by President Linda Chapman, Rutgers coach and founder of the Camden County College Cats. Linda and American Cheer Express produced a fine showing for the young athletes whose endeavors in the sport of Cheerleading are just recently finding an audience and recognition for the athletics involved in making this a sport.

Cheerleading competitions are based on degrees of excellence. Each team's scoring is based on the team leadership; spirit, the volume and clarity of the chants and cheers; the dances, jumps, stunts and tumbling; technique, team building and, not the least, safety.

While the awards could not be given to all of the competitors, it is important to recognize that Cheerleading is no longer something to be viewed as just a fluffy activity. The young people who participate in this sport are involved in a multi-faceted sport. The routines often call for gymnastic skills and strength training to be able to maintain the safety factors in setups for stunts and tumbling. Aerobic stamina is most important while doing the routines because they have to chant and cheer while going through their movements. It is hard work and they make it look easy and fun. Congratulations to all for the hard work in presenting those entertaining routines.

Champion Trophy Winners based on Degree of Excellence:

70's Small Division: Bellmawr Purple Eagles, Bellmawr NJ
70's Large Division: Sterling Knights, Stratford NJ

90's Small Division: Chichester Crusaders, Aston PA
90's Large Division: Sterling Knights, Stratford NJ

110's Small Division: Pine Hill Rams, Pine Hill NJ
110's Large Division: Linden-Boro Chargers, Lindenwold NJ

130's Small Division: Linden-Boro Chargers, Lindenwold NJ
130's Large Division: Oaklyn Cougars, Oaklyn NJ

Senior Novice Champion: Medford Indians, Medford NJ

The remaining participating teams (in alphabetical order) were:
Claymont Falcons, Claymont DE
Flemington Falcons, Flemington NJ
Northern Burlington Greyhounds, Burlington NJ
Sharon Hill Ramblers, Sharon Hill PA
Somers Point Sharks, Somers Point NJ
Trainer Twister, Trainer PA

Also attending were the Rutgers University Raptors.

Photos by Art Redd