Yellowjacket Cheer Squad to Compete in California Competition (March 11, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State University-Billings cheer team will be competing in its first ever competition this weekend when they attend the Cheerleaders of America competition in Irvine, California.  The competition will take place at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC-Irvine on March 15 and 16.

The team, coached by Dani Ruoff, has existed at MSU Billings since 1997.  The COA competition at Irvine will be the team’s first competitive experience.  The Yellowjackets will be participating in four event categories:  team competition, all-girl stunt team, dance soloist, and co-ed stunt partner. 

“We’re excited to be able to attend a competition like this,” said Ruoff.  “It’s the first time that we know of in the school’s history that the cheer team has done this.  The kids have worked hard and deserve the opportunity.  Our goal is to go down there and give the best performance we can, and put MSU Billings on the map.  If we place, then it’s icing on the cake.  If we don’t, it will still be a good experience.”

Competing for the Yellowjackets will be Tracie Overberg (Dodson, MT), Jacque Lind (Malta, MT), Brandi Hallgren (Miles City, MT), Kimberly Bone (Billings, MT), Jolene Swanke (Billings, MT), Lindsey Hart (Billings, MT), Dawn Fenton (Hobson, MT), Marissa Anderson (Miles City, MT), Jaime Christopherson (Miles City, MT), Bryan Cartwright (Geraldine, MT), Dolan Hornbeck (Billings, MT), Nick Talmark (Rock Springs, WY), Eric Dowell (Billings, MT), Scott Taylor (Worland, WY), and Matt Slater (Billings, MT).