Capture MEAC Championship by Leonard Haynes IV and Jannette J. Witmyer
Cheerleading has come a long way since the rah! rah! rah! days of the past, and Morgan State University's (MSU’s) very own Lady Bears are paving the way for other historically Black institutions to take the national spotlight. On Saturday, March 15, 2003, the MSU Cheerleaders made history as they successfully defended their fifth consecutive title in the Ninth Annual Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Cheerleading Championships, held at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond, Virginia.
The MSU squad took first place in the All-Girl Cheer Division and finished as MEAC's Grand Champions. Seven cheer squads participated in the competition that required the performance of a combination of stunting, dancing and gymnastics. Squad members Natasha Brown and NaShanta Ellerbe, from Clinton and Randallstown, Md., respectively, were selected to the MEAC All-Star Team for their all-around performances.
Members of the Morgan State University Lady Bears Cheerleading Squad Seniors: Lauren Johnson - Captain Meisha Casey - Captain Danielle Chandler - Captain Erika Jackson Karissa Jones Natasha Brown Ebony Jackson Juniors: Danielle Scott Taneesha Matthews NaShanta Ellerbe
“Being a cheerleader means that you have to be physically fit and ready to perform with consistency. Our cheerleaders add to the whole idea of competition, sportsmanship, and they bolster the image of the university.” —Kimberly Ross-Watkins, Assistant Coach
SPRING
2003
7
Sophomores: Laurie Smith Eboni Queen Cara Marbury Tiffany Banks Alana Bates Freshmen: Dawn Hedgepeth LaTrisha Perkins Krista Weaver Janesia Simmons Tamica Tanksley Rochelle Logan Brooke Price