Whoever said cheerleaders were not athletes should have attended the most anticipated and competitive cheerleading and dance competition of the year.

For its ninth consecutive year, AmeriCheer, Inc. a national cheerleading and dance company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, held its national championship at Walt Disney Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., March 19-24.

More than 4,000 competitors from across the country, ranging from elementary to high school students, battled for the national title in more than 50 divisions. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex was jumping with enthusiasm, last-minute nerves, wishful hopefuls, bittersweet revenge and most of all spirit during the four-day competition.

The Sharpsville Competition Squad captured first place in the J.V. division at the AmeriCheer National Cheerleading Championship. The team competed among the best cheerleaders in the country.

Following the competition, teams celebrated with a victory party at Disney's MGM Studios, which featured the band Front Page. For the Sharpsville Competition Squad, it was back-to-back national titles, and its third in the last five years.

These teams have worked hard all year. In addition to supporting their teams and communities, they've spent countless hours practicing their routines and fundraising to attend the Nationals. Coach Sharlee Germano is so proud of this group of young ladies, "we approach every event with enthusiasm, and the willingness to succeed."

The squad performed Saturday for the Buddy Guerino Tournament in Sharpsville.

Last year AmeriCheer welcomed nearly 10,000 competitors, coaches, families, and supporters to the event. Over 200 teams participated, including teams from Canada.

The squad's performance will be on ESPN 2 sometime in the future. For now fans can see their performance captured by Encore photos at www.encorephotos.com

Other coaches are Rita Sloan and Lori Ellison.

Squad members in 2003 are: Britany Brown, Natalie Burich, Amanda Ellison, Heather Findley, Erin Fleming, Kasey Gardner, Haley Germano, Erica Griffith, Ashley Kaufman, Michelle Lyshon, Angelia Mammerali, Ellen Morris, Amanda Musser, Autumn Rancourt, Alyson Scott, Britany Totin, Lindsey Valenly and Ashley Wygant.