Weber State University Athletics
WSU Grabs 2nd & 3rd at NCA/NDA Championships
4/21/2008 6:00:00 AM | Spirit Squad
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The Weber State University spirit squad grabbed another couple of trophies recently as they competed in the National Cheerleaders Association and the National Dance Alliance Championships for the first time in school history. The WSU cheer squad earned third place in the event, while the dance team tied for second place.
"Last summer, we decided as a squad that our goal for the year was to compete in the NCA/NDA nationals," said WSU spirit squad advisor Summer Willis. "It is really tough just to get there. We competed at a summer camp in Las Vegas where we qualified and received a bid to attend the competition. Ever since then we have been working very hard to fundraise and prepare for this prestigious competition."
Almost 5,000 student athletes and 12,000 supporters and spectators convene each year for this competition of technical skills, choreography, showmanship, synchronization, and teamwork. Five (5) Dance Divisions and ten (10) Cheer Divisions separate teams by designation of All-Girl or Coed, skill level, university enrollment (Division IA, I, or II), or Junior College. Championship winners are also awarded for Partner Stunt, Group Stunt, and Mascot.
The WSU cheerleaders competed in the Division I group, finishing behind Stephen F. Austin State and Central Arkansas. The Wildcats posted a preliminary score of 8.395, second best in the field behind Central Arkansas. In the finals, the 'Cats fell to third, despite improving their score to 8.475. Stephen F. Austin posted a winning score of 9.204 in the finals.
The Wildcat dance group, competed in the Open Division I, and deadlocked with West Virginia for second place behind Southern Methodist University. The 'Cats earned the eighth -- and final -- qualifying spot with a preliminary score of 8.960, before bouncing back in the finals. WSU scored 9.213 in the final round, tying with the Mountaineers, just .007 points back of SMU.
"This was a really big event for us as a team," said Willis. "This is the largest cheer competition in the world and we had to work very hard as a team in so many areas just to get there. We went in as unknowns and had no experience at this event. To come out placing with both of our teams is phenomenal."
National televison coverage of the NCA & NDA Championships will occur on April 26 and 29 on Fox Sports Net. Check local listings for times.