The Mississippi State University cheerleaders placed ninth in the 2002 Universal Cheerleading Association national championship that took place in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 10-13. Connie Goldsmith, who took over for former coach Melissa Nichols in October of 2001, coached the Bulldog cheerleaders to the best finish for a first-time squad in UCA history. Goldsmith was very pleased with her squad’s accomplishment.
“I am very proud of our squad. We started working on nationals from day one, and we were very dedicated,” Goldsmith said.
During the first portion of the competition, senior Bruce Busby and junior Leslie Owens turned in a sixth-place finish in the partner stunt event.
The UCA competition will be televised in April on ESPN or ESPN2. MSU is expected to appear on the program.
Aditionally, the MSU spirit sqauds will host clinics for pom, dance and cheerleading starting in Febrauary. The squad will host two clinics which will be held on Feb. 9 and Mar. 2. Individuals interested in attending can call 662-325-9843 or send an e-mail to [email protected] for more information.
The MSU cheerleaders are: Beth Baldwin, Elena White, Katelyn Crews, Leslie Owens, Laura Myrick, Nonnie Warren, Jennifer Turner, Grady Strain, Ryan Berry, Scott Job, Jason Gibson, Jason Kelly, Morgan Ero, Bruce Busby and Heath Dye.