The Murkerson Deep South All-Star Cheerleaders competed in the Gulf Coast Diamond Championship in Panama City on January 30th.

The Deep South Youth All-Star Level 3 team took 1st place in their 11 and under age group and received a bid to the Grand Nationals. They were 1 of 6 teams in the level 3 competition.

On the front row are the Mini All-Stars: Jessica Neill, MacKenzie Vickers, Caroline Harper, Morgan Bridges, Caroline Harrison, Reece Conley, Kayte Clinckscales, Abigail Anderson, Madeline Gainous, Carley Brogdon and Mel Bodrey. On the second row are the Deep South Youth All-Stars: Maci Barber, Jillian Hawkins, Annie Bridges, Haylie Wilkinson, Michael Bryant, Caitlin Miller, Emily Perkins, Briana Mills, Madison Toole, Jordan Neill, Jessie Oliver, Lauren Braswell and Hannah Holt. Standing in back is Sarah Oliver.

The Mini Deep South All-Stars won 4th place in their competition against 4 other teams in the 8 and under level 1 division. Coach Melynda Murkerson said she was extremely proud of her squad as it is a very young team, the youngest in the level 1 competition. Of the 11 girls on the team, only one is 8 years old and the rest 5 and 6 years old. They also received an open bid to Nations which will be held in Charleston, SC May 1st.

Sarah Oliver, an 18 year old Bainbridge High School Senior, won 1st place in the individual competition. She plans to continue cheerleading as she attends college in the fall.

The Deep South All-Stars are part of Murkerson Cheer Gym and will be competing with others from around the tri-state area at the 2nd annual Cheer From The Heart competition.

Cheer from the Heart competition will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at the Decatur County Memorial Coliseum. The competition is hosted by Murkerson Dance Academy and Gymnastic/Cheer Gym and is sponsored by Bainbridge Middle School Cheerleaders. Tickets are $3.00 at the door. Competition begins at 11 AM. For more information contact Lindy Murkerson at 246-8166 or Lea Hawkins at lhawkins@dcboe.com.