South Jersey Cheerleading:
Adversity Couldn't Keep the 'Hounds at Bay

Sunday, March 19, 2000

By Joanne Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Against all odds and many emotional setbacks, the Northern Burlington Greyhounds, out of Columbus NJ, came away the ECA Finals Champions for their division on March 19 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. The Greyhounds won the Small Junior Recreation division which covers squads with under 20 members in the 6th through 8th grades and cheer for a sport team. The Greyhounds cheer for the Mercer County Football League.

Coaches Jennifer and Melissa Malseed could not be more proud of their squad of 18 girls and their endeavors to through this competition. The squad has had to overcome injuries like a broken ankle to their major flyer, one instance of head trauma and another member had to have emergency surgery during the season, and all that came on top of the usual practice related injuries of twisted ankles and bruised knees. The girls lost their practice space, lost their mats to tumble and stunt, and needed to raise funds to attend this competition in Virginia.

Luck and good fortune came with the support of their business community and family members, who helped to sponsor the girls on the road to the championship. The girls and their coaches wish to thank their family, friends and the community business people for their support and generosity, for without it they could not have dreamed to come as far as the ECA Championship.

For competition results, visit the Eastern Cheer Association web page.

Photos by Joan Malseed