The University of Hawai'i Cheerleading Team has secured one of eight paid invitations to compete at the 2005 Universal Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championships from January 12-15, 2005. This prestigious competition is held annually in Orlando, Florida and is aired nationally on ESPN.

Collegiate teams from across the country submit qualification videos performing a cheer, followed by a one minute and thirty second skills exhibition. The University of Texas and Hawai'i placed first and second respectively in the western half of the United States, both received paid bids. Other teams receiving Division IA paid bids were: Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, Louisiana State University, and the University of Memphis.

The paid bid covers flights within the continental United States (Los Angeles to Orlando), hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and four-day passes to Disneyworld. The Hawai'i Cheer Team is currently raising funds to cover the travel cost from Honolulu to Los Angeles.

"The future of UH Cheerleading looks very bright," said Coach Mike Baker. "We have probably one of the strongest freshman classes in the country; along with solid leadership from the veterans." Over the past 10 years, UH has finished as high as 3rd at this national competition in 2001 and has earned seven paid bids.

Tryouts for the cheer squad are held in April. Information will be posted shortly.