Jan. 7, 2003

The University of Kentucky cheerleading and pom squads will be performing their Nationals routines at Memorial Coliseum, Wednesday, Jan. 8. Both teams travel to Orlando, Fla., this weekend to compete in their respective national championships. Fans are encouraged to attend the free practice which will take place from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. Joining the UK squads will be the cheerleading team from Western Kentucky, which also is competing at the Universal Cheerleaders Association Championships.

The Kentucky cheerleaders have been dominant at the UCA Nationals. They have won 12 championships overall and this year look to bring home their ninth in a row. The team qualified to go straight to the finals and will perform their routine Saturday night.

The UK pom squad also has been successful in their championships. In 2000, they finished fourth in taping at the Universal Dance Association Nationals. In 2000 and 2002, the team finished third and fifth, respectively, at the United Spirit Association Nationals in Las Vegas.

The pom squad also received an automatic berth in the finals and will compete Saturday evening.

For more information on the UCA and UDA Championships, visit www.varsity.com.

-UK-