The MSU Cheer Bears gave it their all at the NCA competition in Daytona Beach, Florida.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - With the backdrop of one of the world's most famous spring break destinations, Morgan State put on a great show and became the first Historically Black College & University (HBCU) to make it to the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) All-Girls Finals at the Ocean Center last Friday afternoon.
When the dust settled the Bears cheerleading squad was among the Top 10 teams by recording a third-place finish in the most prestigious collegiate cheer squad competition in the country.
The MSU Cheer Bears finished a close third (7.70) behind Virginia Commonwealth University (8.12) and North Carolina State (8.07) with an impressive routine in the All-Girl Intermediate Division.
The road to the finals wasn't easy. During the preliminaries, Morgan fell prey to penalty deductions which landed them in last place. Fortunately, they got another opportunity to make it to the finals by participating in a play-in, single elimination round called the "Challenge Cup". Disappointed by the previous day's scores, the Cheer Bears gave it all they had and defeated Michigan State and Wilmington College receiving a 1st place trophy and a wildcard bid to the finals.
Four hours later Morgan performed the same routine with slight variations for the third time which proved to be a charm. The ladies were the only team in their division to perform without a bobble, a fall, or a tumbling touchdown. With only a .42 difference between Morgan and the eventual winners VCU, the third place finish was an exciting and refreshing finish to the final leg of their competition season.
(For other MSU 2006 competition results, go to http://tgibson1159.tripod.com ).
Coaches Theresa Gibson and Kim Watkins were extremely pleased with the competition's outcome.
"We came a long way in a short amount of time," said Gibson. "The disappointing finish in the initial preliminary round gave the team the jolt they needed to push them to their fullest potential. It was a blessing in disguise."
Seniors Janesia Simmons, Rochelle Logan, and Christy Keene felt, "It was the perfect way to end their collegiate cheerleading careers."
Other team members are excited at the prospect of doing even better at next year's NCA competition. "This competition made us realize that being competitive at the national level is not a possibility, but a reality, said junior captain Tara Smith. We'll be even better prepared next year."
Competition Results - NCA National -Collegiate Championship All-Girl Intermediate Division
1st – VCU
2nd - NC State
3rd - Morgan State
4th - U. of Florida
5th - Columbus State
6th - St. Francis
7th - Michigan State
8th - Wilmington College
