On January 12, 2008, our Niles Elite Black team traveled to Battle Creek, Michigan to compete in Xtreme Spirit's National Championship.

The first day, they hit a jam-packed routine in front of an awesome cheering section from Otsego Elite! With only a few timing issues, we were very pleased with their performance. When score sheets came back, we found out that we were only three quarters of a point out of first place.

On day two, the team re-focused and knew they were going to have to hit a clean routine to take home the title. We increased the difficulty by adding a couple new elements, hoping that the risk would pay off. Black hit the mat and performed a fantastic routine. The timing was on, our new parts hit, and they had amazing energy. But would it be enough to claim first place?

Everyone was nervous when awards were being called. We didn't hear our name for third place, and everyone was crossing their fingers. They called second place...it wasn't us. After getting the "look" from Jami, our athletes settled down to hear the announcement-"First place, Niles Elite!"

 Congratulations NE Black on the jackets. You look fantastic in those jackets and NO ONE deserves a win like this more than you do!