The Rogers State University Cheerleading team won fifth place at the National Cheerleader Association’s College National Competition on April 12 in Daytona Beach, Fla., the second consecutive year the program has earned a top 10 finish at the event.
This marks only the second year the Hillcats Cheerleaders have competed at the NCA’s College Nationals, with the team placing seventh last year. Cheer teams qualify for nationals by earning top honors at camp during the summer or by submitting skill videos. For the second year in a row, the RSU squad received a gold bid at camp, which is the highest honor.
The teams perform routines consisting of tumbling, stunting, dance and motions choreographed to music. The routines are two minutes and 15 seconds of fast-paced displays of skill and endurance. Teams are judged on degree of difficulty, perfection of routine and overall impression.
The Hillcats competed in the Coed Intermediate II division, which was won by Orange Coast College from Costa Mesa, Calif. View their final round performance.
Team members, listed by hometown, included:
- Baxter Springs, Kan.: Kelsey Kellum
- Catoosa: Kennadi Lussier
- Claremore: Phillip Evans, Corey Feeney, Lindsey Howe, Drew Moore, Bronson Smith
- Disney: Brylee Harbuck
- Nowata: Michelle Dickinson
- Oologah: Brodie Snider
- Owasso: Ryan Hayes, Saressa Worley
- Sand Springs: Sarah Thayer
- Skiatook: Tori Deal, Cody Mathia
- Tulsa: Echo Vance
- Wichita, Kan.: Titus Massey
The RSU cheer team is currently coached by Matt Hinds under the leadership of the Office of Student Affairs.