I spent the past weekend in Indianapolis for JAMfest Super Cheer Nationals as part of AC on Tour, and--sub-zero temperatures aside--the event was a blast! First of all, there were more than 10,000 athletes competing, and to add to the excitement, we gave out our Editor's Choice Award and chose our first-ever Race for the Rings winners.

* Our Editor's Choice Award went Ellenwood Star Zone Show Time L4 Large Seniors, who just plain blew me away with how clean, sharp and solid they were. From Day 1 to Day 2, there was not a bobble! Plus, the team were super spirited and displayed fantastic sportsmanship. Congrats, Ellenwood! Look for their picture in the upcoming issue of AC.

* Great Lakes Cheer L3 Small Senior team won our Race For The Rings. If you haven't seen the rings yet, take a look (at right). We based this decision on the applications the teams filled out describing their program and community outreach efforts as well as on their performance and sportsmanship at the event. The finalists were Great Lakes Cheer, Buckeye Cheer Elite, Seymour HS, Gage Dragons, and Pittsburgh Pride Glamour. Kudos to all, especially GLC!

A few other teams really stood out to me this weekend, especially Cheer Extreme from Kernersville, NC. Hello, awesome! Plus it was fantastic to see some of our past Cheerleaders of the Month, including Erica Holsclaw from Dynasty Cheer (Feb 07 cover), Sidney-Anne McGough from ACE All-Stars of Alabama (Feb 08 cover), and even Rhonda Austin, formerly of University of Louisville All-Girl (June 03) who was judging the event.

Great job to all who competed, and I loved getting to meet so many of you at the American Cheerleader booth. Next up for me: UCA High School Nationals. Hope to see some of you there!

Cheers,

Marisa