NW cheerleaders win back-to-back titles

For the second consecutive year and third time in four years, the Northwest Missouri State University Cheerleaders have carried a Universal Cheerleaders Association Division II National Championship back home to Maryville.

The Bearcat squad, under the direction of Coach Jason Sack, captured its third UCA National Championship Saturday at the Walt Disney World Resort. Individually, it was the third such win for members Chaz Johnson, Jessie Craddock, John Tye, Brittney Bott, Randi Myers and Ross Davis.

"Determination and resilience – our cheer squad has exhibited these qualities as it has continued its reign as Division II’s best in the nation," said Northwest President John Jasinski. "We are so proud of our cheer squad as well as the Steppers and of course, Coach Sack.

"Two in row, three of the last four years and Northwest’s fifth national championship since 2009 – Bearcat Nation is proud!"

In defending its title from 2012, Northwest held off the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, which finished second. The 2011 national champion, West Georgia, finished third and was followed by Northwest rival Pittsburg State.

"I'm so proud of this group,” said Sack, who has coached the team since 2006. "We have a great core that’s been here for all three championships. They have put in the hard work, and you could see it out there Saturday."

In addition to the cheer squad’s success, the Bearcat Steppers advanced to the finals of the open hip-hop division and finished fourth. Sunday morning the Steppers also performed in the open jazz division, earning a 10th place finish to conclude the championship weekend.

Members of the Northwest and Maryville communities were set to welcome the two squads home Monday night at Bearcat Arena.

The competition will be aired on ESPN later this spring with times and dates yet to be determined.

However, fans can view the Bearcat Cheerleaders’ performance at varsity.com/event/1689/2013_uca_uda_college.