BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Both Washington State University's cheer squad and Crimson Girls competed at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dancers Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships Friday-Sunday, Jan. 19-21, at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Orlando, Fla., where the Crimson Girls placed third overall in the Dance Game Day category.
"I am very proud of our athletes and their representation of WSU on the national stage," WSU Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheer Coach,
Jordan Benedict said. "Throughout the season our athletes dedicate so much of their time toward supporting others, it's really awesome for them to have the opportunity to compete for themselves. I am very happy that both of our teams had their moment in the spotlight and the opportunity to showcase their talent and hard work.
"For those that are unfamiliar with the Game Day Division, it is simulated game day experience," Benedict continued. "An announcer calls out game day situations and you respond the way that you would on game day. This is a great opportunity for both cheer and dance to showcase how awesome Game Day is in Pullman. It's really rewarding to hear from fans at the event how entertaining our routines were and how they'd love to attend a game at WSU. It's also great to show other schools our traditions and see theirs as well. As a spirit program we are very proud of our representation on game days and for our performances showing that this past weekend."
For the second consecutive year the Crimson Girls competed in the Dance Game Day category, and for the second consecutive year advanced to the finals. The Crimson Girls posted a third place performance, behind both programs who finished first and second last year, UNLV (first), and Tennessee (second). Following Washington State was Mississippi, Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan, San Diego State, Oklahoma, and Kansas to round out the finalists.
The Crimson Girls also finished ninth overall Sunday the Division IA Jazz finals, after advancing to the finals Saturday. This was the fourth consecutive year advancing into the finals, and also the fourth placing in the top 10 overall. Ohio State claimed the top prize in Division IA Jazz, with Minnesota taking second, and Arizona State in third. Louisiana State went on to finish fourth, followed by Tennessee, Florida State, Michigan, Rutgers, and then WSU. The Cougars placed ahead of Penn State, Iowa, Oklahoma and San Diego State as well.
"I am extremely proud of this team and the work that has been put into making this year's nationals performance our absolute best!" Crimson Girls Coach
Kaila Evenoff said. "The teams that they went toe-to-toe with this past weekend, in both categories, are well-respected, high level programs and these ladies competed with tremendous grit, fight, but importantly, class! I have never seen a more dedicated group of athletes come together and support one another and bring out the absolute best in each other. The pride they have shown for their University, this program, and their team is unmatched. They deserve everything that they have because they have earned it! No one truly knows what these athletes go through to get to this point, but I can tell you with certainty that it is because of who they are, and their character, that carries them to these great moments!
Cheer had a strong showing in semi-finals in Division 1A Game Day, showcasing a sideline cheer, the WSU Fight Song and a time out featuring the Hey Song. The D1A cheer Game Day overall winner was Tennessee. Cheer also had a near perfect performance routine in D1A Cheer hitting most of their routine with only a few mistakes. The Division 1A Cheer winner was UCF as well.
"I also was very proud to see both of our teams put their routines out on the floor after working so hard this past season," Evenoff continued. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for these athletes and their commitment to WSU and our program."
