DURHAM, NC  - Two lucky Chowan University student-athletes were chosen among the CIAA's best cheerleaders and had the opportunity to participate in the 2008 CIAA Football Championships last Saturday. Michelle Ellis (at left, right side) and Ashley Hines (at left, right side) celebrated Chowan's first season in the CIAA.

Along with first year Cheer Coach Amy Miller, the two young ladies got a taste of cheering in the CIAA.

“Last Thursday night we met all the other All CIAA cheerleaders and their coaches, had dinner with them and then the cheerleaders learned a routine taught by the Virginia State Woo Woo's.  The coaches had a mini workshop while the girls practiced,” stated Miller.

On Friday the CIAA hosted the annual awards luncheon where the cheerleaders and the football players were recognized for their All CIAA performances this season. Each cheerleader was awarded a plaque and given league sponsored Russell apparel.  It wasn't all play for the Michelle and Ashley as they practiced twice on Friday in preparation for a collaborative routine on Saturday with all the All CIAA Cheer squad members that took place just prior to kick off.

Coach Miller continued on the experience, “We were welcomed by everyone and made some new friends along the way. The girls are very excited to bring back to Chowan what they learned and have made some new goals for the Chowan Cheerleading team.  One of these goals is to become well recognized in the CIAA and among college athletics as a team.”