Above: Bulldogs Cheerleaders, Mascot and Perkette Dance Team at the Universal Cheerleader Association/Universal Dance Association camps at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa July 17-20.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldog Cheerleading squad and Perkette Dance Team won superior ratings and other honors at the Universal Cheerleader Association/Universal Dance Association camps at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa July 17-20.

The Bulldog cheerleaders competed in the Small Co-Ed division, winning first place in Fight Song, fourth place in Sidelines, and Most Improved in their division along with many Superior ribbons for fight song, sideline and cheer. This is the second year they have competed in the Co-Ed division, competing against schools like University of Memphis, University of Alabama-Birmingham and University of West Alabama.

The Bulldog mascot also received Most Improved and Superior awards. The Perkettes, who participated in the Universal Dance Association camp, received a Superior trophy for Fight Song along with many individual superior ribbons.

“We are so fortunate to be able to attend this camp every year,” said Christy Bowman, MGCCC cheerleading coach. “It allows us to see and compete right next to large cheerleading squads from major universities like Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Our squad gets to experience first hand the excitement and esteem of being a college cheerleader. We learned a lot of material at camp and can’t wait to perform it at our athletic events this year.”