LAURINBURG — Scotland High cheerleader Laura Beth Nowland put her name in St. Andrews University’s history books by becoming the first member of the school’s new cheer team.

Family members and friends gathered inside the high school’s media center to watch Nowland signed her letter of intent to join the program.

“The coach (Meagan Dial) is really amazing, and she’s always been an inspiration to me,” Nowland said.

Dial, a Laurinburg native and former All-American cheerleader, was chosen to lead St. Andrews’ newly-formed cheer and dance teams last August. Dial was a cheerleader at Scotland High, where she earned All-American honors in 2003, and she continued her career at UNC-Pembroke. She runs Glamour Athletics, a cheerleading, dance and gymnastics studio in Laurinburg.

Her local connection helped Dial become familiar with Nowland, who has been involved with cheerleading since she was 3 years old.

Nowland loves everything about being a cheerleader. She said performing stunts and being thrown in the air are a couple of her favorite activities.

Nowland, who is thinking about pursuing a nursing career, also said she has cherished the friendships she made throughout her time at Scotland. Nowland hopes she’ll be able to return to the Fighting Scots some day in a different role.

“I want to come back to Scotland and maybe be the cheer coach,” Nowland said.

Nowland
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Nowland.jpgNowland

Laura Beth Nowland signs her letter of intent to join St. Andrews University’s new cheer team. She is the first cheerleader to join the team.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_1571.jpgLaura Beth Nowland signs her letter of intent to join St. Andrews University’s new cheer team. She is the first cheerleader to join the team.
First member of new cheer team

By Brandon Tester

Sports editor