April 9, 2008

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KENNESAW, GA. - The Kennesaw State competitive cheer team had its last practice before heading off to the 2008 NCA Competitive Cheer Championship in Daytona Beach this weekend as they look to crack the top two for the first time in school history.

"We have a big task ahead of us this weekend," said head coach Felecia Mulkey. "But, we just want to hit our routine and perform to our standard. If we can do that then we'll let things fall where they may."

The Owls left on Wednesday morning as they look for their first-ever top two finish since they became a Division I program in 2006. Kennesaw State finished third in their two previous national championship events, each year finishing behind Maryland and Louisville.

"Our last practice before nationals was a typical one," added Mulkey, who had to replace two players because of illness on Monday. "We had to change things around a little bit, but we adjusted well and will be fine when competition time comes around."

The final preparation was a three-hour practice session, which included two open performances of the routine they will be competing with this weekend.

"The last practice was a very positive one," said Angela Ucci. "We got some things switched around, but everyone did a good job of pulling it all together. We did what coach told us to do and we're feeling fine and ready to try and win a national championship."

Kennesaw State will hit the mat for the first time on Thursday morning at 11:44 a.m. KSU will perform after the University of Maryland and before North Carolina State in the preliminary round.

The 2008 NCA Competitive Cheer Championship can be seen on the web at www.varsity.com.