The Missouri Southern cheer squad was accepted to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals competition in Daytona Beach, Fla., April 9-13. NCA College Nationals is a cheerleading competition that includes college cheer squads from all over the country, including Division I and II schools as well as junior colleges. The competition is split up into 19 different divisions.

To qualify, Missouri Southern cheerleaders submitted a video that included a series of stunts, baskets and pyramids to show they meet the competition’s standards. The NCA notified MOSO cheerleaders of their acceptance on Jan. 24.

Although MOSO cheerleaders have competed in NCA Nationals before, this is the first year for Head Coach Ryan Evitts.

MOSO cheerleaders will perform two routines in the preliminary round and again if they qualify for finals. The first is a gameday routine where they demonstrate their ability to lead the crowd in a cheer. The second is a showmanship routine that will include stunts, jumps, tumbling and pyramids appropriate to their division, Small CoEd Division II.

Sophomore and first-year cheerleader Kendall Barclay says the cheer squad is preparing by adding another practice to its two-practice weekly schedule in addition to continuing weights and strength training.

Barclay said, “It’s going to be like one of the competitions you would see on TV.”

Indeed, the event will be nationally televised on the CBS

Sports Network.

While all teams will receive placement trophies, only the national champions will take home a championship trophy, banner and jackets.