The Rowan University Cheer Club took home bronze at the UCA College Nationals in Florida over winter break. Held at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World, the UCA College Nationals is one of the most prestigious competitions in the nation. 

The squad made up of twenty-four women showcased a level of difficulty that made their routine stand out alongside sixteen teams. The routine was judged on two music sections, stunts, pyramids, tumbling and cheer.  

“Our division has a style that we tend to see year after year where routines do start to look similar, so I think this year one of our main goals was to stand out and look different,“ said Coach Qaira Stead-Cora.  

Preparing for a national competition is no easy feat, and with winter break in mind the coaches noted that practices became fuzzy at times. With the help of pep talks from coaches and teammates, the group focused on perfecting the routine, including six full tumbling passes and several pyramids.  

“With this group of girls, motivation wasn’t hard, they always wanted to be better,” said captain and senior Courtney Short.  

Up against Widener University and The College of New Jersey, the Rowan Cheerleaders received a performance score of 84.3 which secured them a third-place win and a bronze medal. It was a big moment for the club and the second medal they have ever won.  

Now the cheerleaders look forward to preparing for next year’s competition, and the goal is to increase the level of difficulty even more.  

“I am super proud of the progress this program has made over the past six years, they have made incredible leaps and bounds, and that is what is important to us,” Coach Stead-Cora said.  

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