Alaska cheerleaders take sixth place at USA Collegiate Championships
March 19, 2013
Jamie Foland
907-474-6807
Anaheim, Calif. – The Alaska cheerleading team made quite the impression in its first-ever national completion, as it placed sixth at the 19th annual United Spirit Association Collegiate Championships, held at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“We wanted to hit our routine and that's what we did,” head coach Heather Pyland said. “At that point, what place we got didn't even matter. They are so happy and I couldn't be prouder.”
The Nanooks, who finished sixth in Sunday evening's preliminaries, held their position through Monday's finals as they concluded competition in the largest category, the four-year small co-educational institutions. That category had 11 schools in action at the championships as all schools performed a two-and-a-half minute routine each day of the event.
Following Sunday night's preliminary round Pyland had this to say about the Nanooks' inaugural competition routine.
“They did great and since they are from Alaska, they are total rock stars to everyone,” Pyland said. “Everyone wants to talk to them and ask them questions. They are so happy and ready to go for finals!”
Winning the team championship was San Diego State, followed up by runner-up San Jose State. The University of Regina took third, Idaho State was fourth and Montana rounded the top five.
Following Alaska was Northern Arizona, Loyola Marymount, University of Great Falls, Menlo College and San Francisco State.
For more information regarding the United Spirit Association, as well as the championships, visit the USA website.
Team Results:
1. San Diego State
2. San Jose State
3. University if Regina
4. Idaho State
5. University of Montana
6. Alaska
7. Northern Arizona
8. Loyola Marymount
9. University of Great Falls
10. Menlo College
11. San Francisco State