Loyola Cheer Finishes Seventh at UCA Nationals

Loyola cheer finished seventh out of 11 divisional competitors in the Universal Cheerleaders Association Nationals at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. Jan. 17-19. 

The UCA Nationals are split into the divisions large coed, small coed and all-girl. Loyola’s cheer team competed in the All-Girl Division I Game Day. 

In order to qualify for nationals, teams must send the association a spirit video including the team engaging with fans and using signs and flags. Elite stunts — which include excessive flips and twists in the air — and tumbling can’t be included in the spirit video, but they’re allowed to be part of the UCA routine. 

For their Game Day routine, Loyola was evaluated on their ability to lead the local crowd, proper skill incorporations, execution of skills, motion technique and overall routine. Teams are encouraged to use towels, signs, poms, flags and megaphones to engage the crowd. 

Loyola competed with a Fight Song routine, a Situational Sideline and a Game Day Timeout routine. The team’s Fight Song routine consisted of spirited performances, sharp moves and no dropped stunts. For their Situational Sideline, Loyola amped up the crowd with their “Shoot Two” cheer. Their Timeout routine featured shoulder stands, flowing flags and impressive stunts, but it suffered a few stumbles. 

In the semifinals, Loyola ranked eighth out of 22 teams and moved onto the final round with 90.5 points.

All teams compete with the same routine in the finals, but are given the chance to polish up what they’d done wrong in the semifinals.

Loyola sharpened their moves for their Fight Song routine with on-time and crisp stunts. For their Situational Sideline routine, the Ramblers switched it up and performed a defensive cheer, encouraging the crowd to chant along. The team’s Timeout routine was also more polished, with no stumbles in their stunts and a loud reaction from the crowd. 

In the finals, Loyola increased their score to 92.4 points and raised their ranking to seventh. The Ramblers will return to campus with a trophy in recognition of their dedication and routines.