2 Cheer Teams From California State University, Long Beach Win 3 National Titles At 2003 USA Collegiate Cheer And Dance Nationals


Two teams from California State University, Long Beach captured three national titles at the United Spirit Association’s (USA) Collegiate Cheer and Dance Nationals in Las Vegas, including the Grand Championship Award, given to the best cheer team in the entire competition.

Under the guidance of second-year coach Eric Anderson, the all-female team from Cal State Long Beach outscored Fredonia State of New York to capture first place in the All-Girls Show Cheer category (four-year schools). But, that wasn’t all. The squad’s performance scored so high they were awarded the Grand Championship Award, averaging 93 out of 100 possible points from each of the judges.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the event for CSULB, however, was the national title won by its coed squad, which took first-place in the Co-Ed Show Cheer category (four-year schools) over 16 other teams. In the finals, CSULB outperformed San Diego State to grab the top spot.

“I knew we had one of the best all-girls team there. In fact, I figured they would sweep through their division because they are a very talented group,” said Anderson, whose assistant coach is Tamura Glen. “Our all-girl team was flawless in the finals. I mean, they just slammed the door on everyone and didn’t give anyone else a chance.

“I thought the coed team, which was in a higher division, was going to have a tougher time of it, especially because there were 17 teams in their division,” the coach added. “They did (have a tougher time), but in the finals, some of the other teams let the pressure get to them. Our team didn’t, and that made all the difference.”

Among those on CSULB’s Grand Champion-winning all-girls squad were: Chrissy Algarin, Genevieve Arnold, Marcie Arnold, Allegra Bajkowski, Krystn Becker, Stacey Benuzzi, Julie Christie, Celina Falkenstein, Melanie Frost, Amity Hartman, Lauren Horvath, Jessica Knode, Casey Lum, Carly Marshment, Angela Meade-Tatum, Sheri Moslenko, Siobhan Moyce, Laura Pexton, Kimberly Phillips, Christi Phillips, Cassandra Rivera, Shannon Stotz, Lindsay Taylor, Erin Tufts, Veronica Velez and Jessica Wenz.

Members of CSULB’s first-place winning coed team included: Bowd Beal, Danielle Clemenza, Paul Delgado, Karen Ditota, Matthew Goldberg, Angela Gorski, Farid Kofly, Ricardo Llamas, Farid Louis, Stephen Moore, Christine Pajuyo, Ryne Reaves, Jonathon Rios, Kristy Rodseth, Lindsay Taylor and Tori Wirgler.

“I am fortunate to have such a talented group of athletes on my team. Many of them are former nationally ranked and champion gymnasts, high school track and field stars and one nationally ranked figure skater,” Anderson pointed out. “This team has a lot of heart, pride and school spirit. Now, they are Long Beach State first cheer team to win a national title.”

For those who may want to get a look at the winning team, several members of the squad can be seen over the next two weeks on “Hollywood Squares,” which is presenting its annual “College Tournament” during the weeks of Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. Taped in mid-January, the CSULB Cheer Team members perform cheers and stunts for the show’s opening and promos. The shows will air on KCAL, Channel 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Media Contacts: Rick Gloady, 562/985-5454
Shayne Schroeder, 562/985-1727