University Southern California Trojans
Trojan Dance Force Captures USA National Championship
March 5, 2004
LAS VEGAS - With a standout performance, USC's Trojan Dance Force captured the United Spirit Association (USA) national championship at the annual collegiate dance competition held Feb. 29-March 1 in Las Vegas.
The 16-member squad, coached by Mina Ortega, was voted national champion by a panel of judges thanks to an energetic performance. A two-minute, 15-second technical jazz and hip hop routine was performed by each squad.
Twenty-one teams qualified to compete in the preliminary competition held on Sunday, Feb. 29, and 10 teams advanced to Monday's finals. For the title, USC's performance surpassed that of second place Missouri and third place UCLA. Kentucky, Fresno State, Idaho State, Cal State Fullerton, Boise State, Long Beach State, San Diego State and Arizona rounded out the final standings.
The national title is the second such championship for the Trojan Dance Force. The team finished first at the 2003 Cheerleaders of America (COA) Collegiate Championship held in Irvine, Calif., and earned a third-place finish at the 2003 National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The Dance Force will defend its titles at the upcoming COA Championship on Sunday, March 14, and the NDA Championship, March 31-April 4, in Daytona.
The Trojan Dance Force championship roster includes Allison Lindauer (captain), Amie Fasnacht, Kristen Yee, Jenna Mannos, Kelli Winters, Jackie Spenchian, Shari Tanizawa, Betty Yen, Jen French, Patricia Ramirez, Katie Burke, Stephanie Koyano, April Amos, Caitlin Anderson, Lauren Dragecivich and Alex McElroy.
Trojan Dance Force
2004 USA National Collegiate Champions
