Cheerleading

Cheerleading 2008 Season Outlook

The Wilmington University cheerleading program has endured a makeover for the 2008-2009 season. The former all-female squad is now co-ed! The addition of transfers Brad and Greg Gilbert, as well as newcomer Brandon Webster, has altered the look and direction of the now small co-ed program.

The current squad comprised is of 15 cheerleaders (12 girls and 3 guys), and represents Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. They are a highly visible and enthusiastic athletic group that serves as ambassadors by appearing at university functions and community events. Although the team’s primary goal is to get the crowd involved for a true home-court advantage during men’s & women’s basketball games, their secondary role is that of a competitive squad. The team competes and exhibitions locally and regionally in order to prepare for national competition.

In August, the team attended a three-day summer camp held at Boston University where they were awarded the highest honor, a full-paid bid,worth over $20,000, to attend the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) Collegiate National Championship. The NCA Nationals are held during April in Daytona Beach, Florida, and are the country’s most prestigious collegiate national competition.

The 2008-2009 recruiting class brings a level of talent never before seen at Wilmington. Transfer students, Greg Gilbert and Amanda Cassarino are the Universal Cheerleading Association’s (UCA) 2007 National Partner Stunt Champions. captain Brad Gilbert and Ashley Unruh bring collegiate and all-star cheer and tumbling abilities that set the standard here at Wilmington. Newcomers Brittany Coté, Loveleigh Goode, Ajé English, Nelly Markow, and Brandon Webster are extremely knowledgeable and skilled cheerleaders who will be assets to the program for years to come. Returning members Mary Alexander, Captain Randi Barilla, Leslie Caldwell, Stacy Eby, and Jade Holzinger have laid the foundation for the program with their commitment, leadership, and invaluable skills and experience.

The Wilmington University Cheer team has set high expectation as they take their first steps in becoming a nationally recognized program. The talent and passion possessed by this team will set them apart as one of the nation’s elite small co-ed squads.