March 17, 2003

Richmond, VA - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Men's and Women's Basketball Teams were not the only squads at the MEAC Tournament this past week. The UMES Cheerleaders were there as well and in full force. Besides cheering on their Hawk squads they also competed in the annual MEAC Cheerleading Competition sponsored by Coca-Cola.

The Hawks had an impressive showing taking a third overall performance and second in the All-Girls Division. The contest was held at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond, the site of the first round of the MEAC Basketball Tournament. This is the squad's first year together as it consists of 19 young ladies, one junior, seven sophomores and 11 freshman.

The Bears of Morgan Sate University took first place overall while also grabbing first in the All-Girls Division.

"I am very proud of the young ladies," said second year Head Coach Coretta Ellison. "They worked hard all season and finally gained confidence in them to help end up with the impressive showing they had at MEACs," she added.

"We will still be supporting our Hawks throughout the year, and will be an even more visible presence next basketball season," said Assistant Coach Christy Dorsey.