SNHU Cheer Aims to Continue Successful 2018 at NCA National Championships

MANCHESTER, N.H. – After capturing the All-Girl Division II crown as well as the Collegiate Grand Champion title at the New England Cheerleading Association (NECA) Collegiate Championships, the Southern New Hampshire University cheer team opens the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College National Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida on Thursday. The Penmen compete it the preliminary round on Thursday before taking part in the finals on Friday.

Southern New Hampshire took the top spot in All-Girl Division II and garnered Grand Champion laurels on Saturday at the NECA Collegiate Championships at the Ryan Center on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. After turning in a solid performance in their 2:15 routine, the Penmen were named the No. 1 team in Division II. At the conclusion of the team awards, the judges conferred to determine which of the teams across Divisions I, II, III and Co-Ed would be named Grand Champion. Southern New Hampshire was announced as the NECA Grand Champion, as the topped perennial New England powers such as Boston University, Harvard University, Central Connecticut University, Fitchburg State University and Framingham State University.

"To be able to not only contend, but to best over a dozen team in the event is a huge milestone for this team and program," said head coach Michelle McCarty. "We are climbing, fighting and clawing our way to being one of the strongest NCA teams in the northeast."

Prior to make its trek to Daytona Beach, the SNHU cheer contingent hosted its annual Friend and Family Send-Off performance at the SNHU Fieldhouse. In front of a capacity crowd, the Penmen performed both their 45-second gameday routine as well as their NECA Championship-winning 2:15 skill routine to a deafening response. McCarty discussed the team's training regimen and work ethic this season, and each member of the squad described herself as well as her cheer background.

Southern New Hampshire will compete in the Division II All-Girl National Championships on Thursday and Friday. For live streaming of the event, as well as live results and schedule changes, CLICK HERE.