NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware announced Wednesday that Ben Schreiber has been named head cheerleading coach and fitness coordinator for the Department of Athletics and Recreation Services.

A native of Ohio, Schreiber, 26, takes over the position previously held by Andy Brown, who served the last three years before resigning this past winter.

Schreiber (at right) earned his bachelor’s degree in sports humanities from Ohio State University in 2007 and is currently enrolled in graduate school in higher education administration at Delaware.

"Ben has been an important part of both our cheerleading and fitness programs over the past two years here at Delaware,” said UD Interim Associate Director for Recreation Services Dr. Barry Miller. “We look forward to continuing working with him in both areas."

Schreiber attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. before transferring to Ohio State where he became the first cheerleader at that school to qualify and compete in the Universal Cheerleading Association College National Partner Student competition, where he placed ninth, and was a member of the squad that cheered the Buckeyes on to the BCA national championship game.

As a senior, he continued his interests in fitness and athletics by completing an internship with the Ohio State Strength & Conditioning Department.

Since arriving at Delaware in 2007, Schreiber has served as a graduate assistant for the UD fitness programs and with the cheerleading team. He helped lead the UD cheerleading team to two second place finishes at the UCA College National Cheerleading Championships and in 2008 placed first out of 42 couples in the UCA College Partner Stunt Qualification.