Say P-U-M-P!

In Blair's gymnasium on November 22, dozens of makeup clad cheerleaders with plenty of spunk competed in the 2003 Mongomery County Division I Cheerleading competition. Blazerette cheerleaders competed against six other teams. Sherwood was awarded the first place trophy.

Although Blair's team did not place, the group's energy was still comparable to the other squads that competed. Blair's cheerleaders had a simple and seemingly flawless routine that focused more on dancing, however they were outperformed by four of the other teams who had spectacular gymnastics incorporated into their routines. "We didn't try things we couldn't handle - we had a clean routine," said coach Roxanne Fus.

Team member junior Erinn Johnson Long spotted a couple of areas where the team could have strengthened their performance. "We could have improved on timing and we were a little too fast for the music," she said.

Sherwood's team incorporated many inventive gymnastic techniques into their rhythmic display, complete with swinging cheerleaders into the air and many other stunts. The hive of Damascus Hornets was full of flips for everyone, as their incredible energy lit the gym during their routine. Churchill's flowing movements and spectacular hand stunts didn't put them out the running. Finally, Gaithersburg's complicated lifting sequences and splits left many of the spectator's mouths gaping at the amazing display of acrobatic savvy.

After Sherwood, Damascus and Churchill took second and third respectively.

Despite Blazer cheerleaders not placing at this year's event, they gave it their all. "I couldn't do this twice in one day. It's not so much physically exhausting as psychologically," said Long