Ramona Rebels Cheer Team wins first place at JAMZ Nationals

The Ramona Rebels Elite, Ramona’s competitive-only cheer teams, returned home from the JAMZ Youth Nationals Cheer & Dance Championship victorious.

The Rebels Elite Senior Squad competed at the highest level possible and walked away as the first place JAMZ National Champions. They were awarded a large team trophy, individual medals and the coveted “National Champions” jackets.

This event, held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-30, marks the first time a Ramona cheer squad has accomplished this feat, said Holly Michaelis, the Ramona program’s president.

The Rebels Elite Junior Squad took second place, bringing home a trophy and individual medals. They also entered the Funk/Hip-Hop category, another first for Ramona, competing in the 15 and under division. Their enthusiasm and showmanship earned them third place, a team trophy and individual medals.

“The Ramona Rebels Elite Cheer teams really put Ramona on the map in the cheer world — it’s an amazing accomplishment for a team in their inaugural year, said Michaelis. “Keep looking for them. This group has a bright future!”

The Ramona Rebels Elite Competitive Cheer Program, a nonprofit organization, was established in March of 2011, Michaelis added.

“The success of this first year can be directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff, their board of directors, and their sponsors — Ramona VFW, Post 3783, Ramona VFW Men’s Auxiliary, The Yogurt Barn, Ronnda Michaelis from The Salon at the Vineyard in Rancho Bernardo, Jenny Bussert, John Marciciano — their families and, most importantly, the dedication and team work of the Rebels Elite athletes,” said Michaelis.

Signups for the 2012-13 season will be held on Feb. 11 from 8 to 11 a.m. and Feb. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. in front of Big 5 in the 1300 block of Main Street.

For more information about this organization, visit www.ramonarebelselite.com or Ramona Rebels Elite on Facebook.