Pack Cheer Third at Nationals
4/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Cheerleading
NC State cheerleading advanced to the NCA Collegiate National Championship finals on Friday evening, finishing third in Division IA Small Coed in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The Pack finished second on day one to qualify as one of six finalists, where they were edged by Louisville for the national title and UTSA for second place. The Wolfpack's two-day total beat other finalist from Georgia, Missouri, Georgia Tech, and Oklahoma State.
Over 300 teams competed in 28 divisions with over 7,500 registered participants at the NCA championships.
"The team performed exceptionally," said NC State head coach Harold Trammel. "I couldn't be more proud of what they accomplished. This group worked so hard and overcame so much this year. Our squad represented the university in the small coed IA division and also in group stunt (two groups), coed stunt and mascots (both mascots). It was a great weekend. We have an amazing group of kids."
When speaking to the squad, it's quickly apparent that cheerleaders are among the most selfless student-athletes on any campus. After spending most of the year practicing in plain sight, preparing routines for national championships on the sideline of football and basketball games, the team springs into action each April to compete at nationals.
"I love it," said Mikayla Raleigh, who competed in partners stunt and as a small coed participant. "It's great that the university backs and supports us the way they do. Nationals are the highlight of our season. Cheerleading isn't just showing off, it's competing. "
"Nationals is what we work for the entire year," said Abbie Tucker, a captain of the small coed team. "We love supporting our teams, that comes first, but nationals is our season. It's exciting. We've been practicing this routine since October. We use the football games to practice our stunts for nationals. The weeks of practicing in front of a crowd increase our chances for hitting our skills at the national championship in April."
The squad improved on last year's finish, hitting routines in both preliminaries and finals.
"I'm proud and excited for my team," said Tyler Downs, captain small coed. "We came down here looking to make a statement and do our very best, and I think that's exactly what we did. I'm proud to be a student at NC State and a member of this program."
When the Wolfpack returns to the sidelines at Carter-Finley, PNC Arena, and Reynolds Coliseum, it will carry with it the sense of being among the national contenders.
"Our priority for the university is to be good gameday cheerleaders," said Cara Beth Harrison, a flyer that competed in group stunt. "Getting the crowd involved in athletic events and preparing for national competition works together." The squad earned a perfect score on the crowd cheer.
The mascots enjoyed their time on center stage. "We work through the summer pulling together ideas and creating a storyline of what we're trying to accomplish," said Cory Taylor, Mr. Wuf. "The mascot competition routines are very similar to a theatrical production. It's our showcase, our 90 seconds of fame."
| Small Coed Div. IA | 3rd Place |
| Group Stunt | 5th & 6th Place    |
| Coed Partner Stunt     | 5th Place |
| Mascot | 5th & 6th Place |
CBS Sports will air a replay of the competition on May 3rd.