The large co-ed cheerleading squad at Stephen F. Austin State University secured their 11th first-place victory in the division I National Cheerleaders Association championship this month in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The SFA pom squad and the small co-ed team each placed third in the division I competition. This year marks the 18th national victory overall for the SFA spirit program.
"We've had a remarkable run, putting us on par with the top athletic teams in the nation," said Michael Preston, director of student affairs and adviser of SFA spirit programs.
In the partner-stunt competition, Junior Alec Heffron of Emporia, Kan., and sophomore Alli Pagnotta of Canyon Country, Calif., placed second, and sophomore Dustin Moore of Hoover, Ala., and junior Kaci Wade of Hickory Creek, Texas, placed fifth.
After last year's first place loss by a slim margin of 5 100s of a point, the team was determined to reclaim their victory, Preston said.
"From the tryouts to the camps and throughout the entire year, they have been working hard with the idea of not only making up those 5 100s of a point but also blowing away the competition, and that's exactly what they did."
Tryouts for the 2010-2011 dance teams and cheerleading squads will be held throughout the weekend of May 1. For more information, contact SFA Spirit Programs at 468-1604.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!