The Illinois State cheerleading squad finished second in the nation at the Universal Cheerleading Association College Division I National Cheerleading Competition on Saturday, January 12 in Orlando, Fla.
The Redbird squad earned first-place in the semi-finals that allowed them to advance to the final round. Morehead State was the Division I champion of the competition.
Both teams hit their routines well, said Chris Owens, head cheerleading coach at Illinois State. I told the squad to hit our routine better than what they did in the semi-finals and they did just that.
It was only the second time that an Illinois State cheerleading squad has made it to the finals. Last season, the Redbirds finished third place at the event.
This year, we prepared much better than last, said Owens. Throughout December, we came in everyday to watch film and practice. The team was sore, but they worked through it together. I think they are the most talented group of individuals that have ever cheered at Illinois State University. This team worked together and stuck close like a family.
Other universities that participated in the event were: University of Delaware, George Mason, Sacramento State, Southwest Missouri State, Eastern Kentucky and Sam Houston.
Members of the Illinois State cheerleading squad include: Justin Katz, Jeremy Flood, Chris Vivio, Nick Vivio, Steve Quaglia, Pete Rohn, Tim Babin, James Logsdon, Quinton Holman, Sam Oertel, Josh Anderson, Mindi Luevano, Mindy Kulessa, Michelle DeLira, Lauren Edwards, Carla Cabasa, Cristina Nguyen and Ashley Miller.
