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The 2010 Pinewood Prep cheerleading squads had a strong performance at the University of Georgia summer camp.

The Pinewood Prep varsity and JV cheerleading squads recently returned from summer camp at the University of Georgia, bringing with them several awards and a record number of All-American Cheerleaders.

The Varsity squad, which is led by captains Tyler Fridh, Samantha Freedman and Jordan Devlin, had an outstanding week, bringing home their fifth bid to compete at Nationals in Dallas, Texas during the month of December.

The Junior Varsity team excelled in the Middle School division, winning first place in the Champion Chant competition. It was also awarded the Herkie T.E.A.M. award, which is voted on by the NCA staff and is presented to the one team that demonstrates the ideal qualities of a cheerleading team, including technical excellence and team unity.

The JV team also received a bid to compete at Nationals. Both teams won the Spirit Stick each night they were at camp.

Members of the teams also earn individual awards as a record number of nine All-Americans were nominated from the Varsity squad, and eight from the JV squad. The Varsity squad had seven girls named All-American, while the JV team had two.

The NCA staff observes cheerleaders as they participate in camp classes during the week and nominates cheerleaders for the All-American team based on their observations. Athletes can be nominated in the category of jumps, motions, stunts, tumbling, dance, and leadership.

Once nominated, a cheerleader is extended the opportunity to tryout for the All-American team. The tryout consists of three consecutive advanced level jumps, demonstrating tumbling and spirit, and performing the camp cheer.  

Captain Jordan Devlin, a rising junior, holds the record for having made the All-American team four times.

“While the pressure of the tryouts can be overwhelming, being designated as an All-American is a tremendous honor and something I’m extremely proud to be a part of,” she said.

Coach Merrell Mann adds, “In a normal year, most teams only have one or two girls to qualify as All-Americans, so it was incredible to see nine Pinewood girls standing up there together.”  

The Varsity All-Americans for 2010 were Tyler Fridh, Samantha Freedman, Jordan Devlin, Becca Bruffey, Veronica Pieretti, Logan Mann and Dana Van Houten.   Additional nominees were Mary Bouyea and Paige Shelton.

The girls from the JV squad to make All-American were Trevor Tucker and Hayes Devlin. Additional nominees from that squad were Morgan Blackwell, Samantha Hillesheim, Rachel Fridh, Michelle Kunkle, Mary Lesesne McIntosh and Anna Kassing.

Along with the All-American news, Pinewood got one more surprise while at camp. Out of all the girls who qualify for the All-American team, one outstanding cheerleader is recognized as “Top All-American,” which means she carried the camp-wide highest tryout score.  For the second time in the school’s history, the highest score was from Pinewood. This year the Top All-American was Dana Van Houten.  

This is the eighth trip the Panthers have made to the University of Georgia for summer camp. The Varsity squad is led by Coaches Dee Devlin and Merrell Mann and the JV squad is under the direction of Coaches Diane Collins and Hope McIntosh.

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