Ancilla College Cheer Earns Bid to NCA Cheer Nationals

PLYMOUTH, IN – The Ancilla College Cheer Team returned home from National Cheerleading Association (NCA) College Cheer Camp held in Louisville, Kentucky, where they earned a Bronze Bid to the NCA Cheer Nationals.

This is the first time in school history, that the cheer program has received a national bid. The bid is a big deal for a school that enrolls less than 500 students.

“I could not be more proud of this team and the work they put in over the last three days at camp,” remarked Head Cheer Coach Kaylee King. “They knew exactly what they wanted to walk away from camp with and they kept that vision throughout. While their physical and mental abilities were tested, they pushed through and were able to accomplish their goal of qualifying for the National Tournament”

The Co-ed cheer team took 17 of its 19 member team to camp to compete this year. After three days of intense work, and several performances later, the Chargers walked away with a Bronze Bid to Cheer Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.

While at camp, the Chargers earned the coveted NCA Spirit Stick the first night, part one of earning their bid. To obtain the spirit stick, the team had to show excellent sportsmanship, work ethic, willingness to learn and respect for other campers. They also had to show that they possess elite stunting and routine skills.

On day two, the Chargers had to perform their “Game Day” routine. The routine could be no more than 45 seconds and had to incorporate multiple chants, gymnastic skills, stunts, signs, use of megaphones and flags. The Chargers were then evaluated on their performance and worked hard to earn a superior ribbon.

They also had to design, coordinate and perform a minute and a half routine called their “Rally” routine which they performed on day three. In this routine, they had to perform a game day aspect followed by two stunting sections and a dance performance. After rocking out their performance, the Charger Cheer team earned themselves another superior blue ribbon as well as a third place trophy for their division.

To prepare for Nationals, the team will spend the next eight months learning material that they will perform as they cheer sideline for the men’s & women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s & women’s basketball games.

Ancilla College (www.ancilla.edu), part of The Center at Donaldson, offers 18 associate degrees and 12 athletic programs. Since 1937, the College has been a sponsored ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. It is a small, private, liberal arts school in Donaldson, Indiana. It is located two miles south of U.S. 30 on Union Road near Plymouth, Indiana.

Photo provided:

Standing (L to R):

Jayme Plennert (Freshman), Michael Leonard (Freshman), Samantha Christenson (Freshman), Megan James (Freshman), Kaira Hackworth (Freshman) Samantha Knutson (Freshman) Chalee Calhoun (Assistant Coach)

Kaylee King (Head Coach) Melissa Sotelo (Freshman) Jordan Campbell (Sophomore) Markee Tener-Farler (Sophomore) Karlie Hill (Sophomore) Leslee France (Freshman) Kourtnie McCaslin (Freshman) Taiesha Rush (Freshman)

Corri Martin (Freshman) Chelsea Reust (Freshman) Austin Calvert (Sophomore) Lee Ann Horlacher (Freshman)