The East County Lions cheer teams competed in both the United Spirit Association Regional Competition at Paramount's Great America and the JAMZ Cheer and Dance Regionals at Six Flags Marine World earlier this month. All four teams, consisting of 20 girls each, competed in both the Large Group Performance Cheer Advanced and Large Group Dance Advanced divisions at both competitions.

The Lions did not let a little rain dampen their spirits, taking home two first places, three second places, one third place and two fourth places for a total of eight superior scores and eight bids to the upcoming USA Nationals.

At the JAMZ Regionals, the Lion cheerleaders earned three first places, four second places and one third, again earning eight bids for JAMZ Nationals.

ECYF cheer coordinator Koren Summers was proud of the organization as a whole. "This is an amazing group of girls," she said. "We perform elite routines at all four levels, and we could not be prouder of them."

To sign up for the East County Youth Football and Cheer program for the 2007 season, visit www.ecyflions.com or contact Summers at 516-7372.