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22 -The Canadien Champion, Frlday, Apri 19, 2002 SPOR TS ~Mustang cheerleaders capture provincial titie MD finally establishes itself as best in Ontario By STEVE LeBLANO The Champion If Milton District High School's cheer- leaders needed any reassurance of their worthiness to comapete at the first-ever national championships, they certainly got it last weekend. The Mustangs were invited to the inaugural show- case carlier ini the season - due to their impressive track record in recent years - but ~ proved they didn't require any automnat- ic berth during the event's one remamn- Within the haîf- fillcd confines of Missi ssauga's Hershey Centre, MD eclipsed two previ- nus silver-medal provincial efforts by finally establishing itself as the premier squad in Ontario. "This is awesome, to have worked so hard for five years and fmnally get it (provincial championship)," said co-captain Tegan Miller. As usual, Oakville's T.A. Blakelock Tigers were the biggest obstacle between the local ladies and provin- cial gold. But they cleared that last hurdle with near- flawless performances on both Saturday and Sunday. Led by long-timne coach Andy Ceechini, MD held a two-and-a-half point Iead after the opening round and squeezed by once again the following day - thanks to an impressive execution of a slightly retooled routine, that included especially challenging stretch doubles. "We were the only school to do them," explained co- captain Jenny Smith. "We came after them (T.A. Blakelock), but we didn't focus ton much on them. We just concentrated on our own routine and running everything perfect." Added Miller, "Andy's been coaching for 15 years and this the first time he's ever won (provincials). He fell on the floor and practically fainted." in addition to a slightly changed routine and late lineup substitution - with Natalie MacMillan return- ing fromn illness to replace an mnjured Sabine Strohan just a week before provincials - the eventual champs also had to contend with what was by far the largest crowd they've ever competed in front of. But big-event jit- ters were nowhere to be found amnong the team, that delivered exceptional efforts eahti4 ottoti umph over two dozen opponients. 'Il wt55 just so excited for the girls," said Staccy Farrell, a former cheerleader through the early '90s who now acts as the team's staff advisor alnngside Wendy Beriault. "im really happy for them." This marked the second straight time the 'Stangs managed to upstage T.A. Blakelock - addiisg to February's Central West Regional win, which followed runner-up showmngs as last year's provincials and this season's Halton finals. Now MD wil look to make it three ini a row and pos- sibly add to this year's hardware haul next weekend at the national championships - which will be held at Torontn's International Centre. Making up the rest of the teamn that'll be going are Tara Anderson, Heather Bray, Chrissy Chadwick, Kristen Deumner, Jen Drewlo, Cailin Drijber, Justyne Jeffiey, Laine MacDonald, Val Massel, Ashleigh McGuinness, Cheryl Memrtt, Kristine Morrow, Sally Nichoils, Katie O'Reilly, Lyndsay Richardson, Alicia Robinson, Brittany Roskamn, Alex Rundie, Brittany Russell, Katherine Russell, Rachelle Saevil, Ashley Samuelson, Sarah Samuelson, Amy Williams and assistant coaches Meredith Craigie and Amy Newell. ~1erke~ Oo> ETOM GLOVES Buy 1 get 1 FREE $1 4.95 I I GREAT SELETION OF LADES Vest, Windshirts, Golf Shirts, Golf Jeweilery mAR YOUR CALDUIAR NEXT DEMO DAY May 9th tram 4-7pm at 3rd Lins Driving Range I Callaway - Taylor Made - Mizuno ~ OOPEUN WSUNBAYS 12- 4 18 ihampeon Bd., Urdus #7 & 8, MRton e 905-78-1818 Photos by GRAHAM PAINE Mustang co-captaina Jenny Smith (lait) and Tagan Miller proudly dlsplay the. provincial trophy while (inaet) the entire team celebrates as only they can. THE MARTIAL ART THAT HAS IT ALL CALL OR VISIT US 310 MAIN ST. 905-878-1074 or 905-632-3100 CLASSES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY v ADULTS - CHILDREN - MALE - *ML FIT TO FIGHT AEROBIC KICK BOXING CLASSES rAPRIL SPE IAL NO TAX ON ALL IN STOCK F BAGS ICAL A