Cal State San Bernardino's spirit team -- cheerleaders and dance -- came away with the major awards at the 2009 USA Collegiate and Pro Dance Camp conducted July 31-Aug. 2.

The Coyotes were chosen grand champions during the post-event evaluations, a first for the Coyotes who have won other awards in previous competitions at the same venue. The award means CSUSB gets a trip to the "nationals," said adviser SuzAnne McDonald. McDonald said both cheer and dance took home superior plaques and both received a "spirit" award.

"(They) had the honor of learning exceptional routines from the top choreographers in today's industry such as Eric Little, Tony Gonzales, Sabrina Ryan and others," said McDonald. All six of the Coyotes dance team members were chosen by instructors to compete in the camp's dance star competition. Brieana Toliver made it to the top 11 finals. Four cheerleaders were chosen to compete in the spirit star competition and two made it to the finals -- Jennifer Walker and Branda Ly.

"We also competed in the all-girl stunt group competition and received third place," said McDonald. Team members Keeley Homme, Lauren Morris, Tiffany Morales and Amanda Benvenudo were the stunt competitors. "Not only did we do amazingly well but a few of our girls impressed the USA staff so much that they were asked to try out to be a part of the teaching staff," McDonald said.

"Three of our dancers went on to work for Tony G and have already made an appearance in an up-and-coming music video produced by Simon Cowell," McDonald added.

The Coyotes competed against such collegiate cheer and dance teams as San Diego State, University of Oregon, Oregon State, Grand Canyon, Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Dominguez Hills, among others.

Congratulations to the 2009-10 CSUSB Coyote Spirit cheer and dance teams.