Cheerleaders Place Fifth at the Universal Cheer Association National Championships
1/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Squads
Orlando, Fla. - The University of Alabama cheerleading squad placed fifth at the Universal Cheer Association National Championships at Disney's Wide World of Sports. The Crimson squad placed third among SEC schools, scoring better than LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
"I'm really excited about being consistently in the top five," cheerleader squad's coordinator Debbie Greenwell said. "It says a lot about the program and the tradition of Alabama."
The University of Kentucky took the top honors while Tennessee finished second. After earning an automatic bid into the final the Crimson squad was the last team to perform of the 15 finalists.
Last season the Tide finished second overall and was the top finisher among SEC squads. Alabama has placed in the top 5 in each of the last 15 years.
The Tide left on Thursday and arrived in Orlando in time for a short practice. Alabama then went through a full practice on Friday and then spent the evening team building at Universal Studios.
On Saturday the squad got a full rehearsal at the Milk House, going through the entire routine and was ready for the finals that would take place on Sunday.
The Tide got an automatic bid to the finals and was the last team to compete on the day. Alabama came into the competition with a crowd score of 14.88 out of 15. The crowd score is comprised off of a tape that is sent in by the team. Alabama used various clips from pumping up the crowd at football, volleyball and basketball games.
The young Alabama squad that featured no seniors will look to earn its next UCA championship in 2008. Tryouts will begin in April. Tide fans can see the squad's 2008 performance in Orlando on ESPN2 on Feb. 17 at 11:00 a.m. CST.
Division IA Results - 2008 UCA Championships
- University of Kentucky
- University of Tennessee
- University of Central Florida
- University of Memphis
- University of Alabama
- Louisiana State University
- University of Hawaii
- University of Minnesota-Minneapolis
- University of Kansas
- Mississippi State University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Pennsylvania State University
- Ball State University
- University of Mississippi
- Ohio State University
