The University of Hawai`i cheerleading team placed first in the western regional national qualifier for the Universal Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championships. The UH squad performed its way past the former 2003 and 2004 western region winner, the University of Texas. The top five schools in the region were (in order) Hawai`i, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oregon State, and Colorado State.
The first place ranking enables Hawaii to go straight to the national finals and receive a paid bid to be held in January 2006 at Disneyworld. The paid bid covers airfare within the continental United States (Los Angeles to Orlando), hotel accommodations, ground transportation, entry fees and four-day park passes. The Hawai'i Cheer Team will be raising funds to cover the travel cost from Honolulu to Los Angeles.
Collegiate teams from across the country submit qualification videos performing a cheer, followed by a one minute and thirty second skills exhibition. Other division 1A regional winners receiving paid bids are Ohio State, Minnesota, and there was a tie between the University of Alabama and University of Kentucky for the final slot. Other teams receiving Division IA at-large paid bids were: Louisiana State, Memphis, Central Florida, and Tennessee. Teams that qualified without paid bids were Michigan State, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin-Madison, Penn State, Texas, Oregon State, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.
"Hawaii's first place seed was announced early this morning. It was great news!" coach Mike Baker. "We've got a very talented team this year with good character and a lot of heart. Aside from competition, we pride ourselves on being one of the best traditional cheerleading teams in the country. It will be a great opportunity to represent Hawai`i while going head-to-head with other perennial powerhouse schools under a national spotlight." The competition will air on ESPN numerous times beginning in March. In 2005, Hawaii placed third at this prestigious event.
Tryouts for next year's cheer squad will be held April 22. Updated information will be posted shortly.