The
Avila Cheer Squad has quickly developed a reputation for excellence
among college and university cheerleading squads around the
nation. The squad has seen increased interest
and development since it's inception in 2002-2003. Since
that time, the group has grown from 14 individuals to a complete
30-36 member squad. The Eagles success was very evident
in 2005 and 2006 as the squad qualified 3rd in the country
and finished 5th overall at the Universal Cheer Association
National Championships in Orlando , Florida in January of
2005. Since then the team has continued to qualify in
the top three and place in finals for the last 4 years.
In
addition to their success at the national level, the cheer
program found success at a number of venues during the past
season. In February of 2008, the Eagles finished first
in the all-girl division of the Heart of America Conference
Spirit Squad Championships as well as finishing 1 st all around
and taking home the Conference Spirit Squad Banner.
This
summer the team attended a private camp located at Avila .
The camp lasted 5 days. The girls challenged themselves to
many new things. A very young squad had a lot to learn and
greatly exceeded expectations. With a very good camp under
their belt the team will push on to work on a homecoming routine
that is preformed simultaneously with the dance team on Oct
2th .
The
Eagles cheer at home football and basketball games.
Performances include sideline cheers as well as collegiate
level stunts, pyramids, and tumbling. The cheerleaders
also serve as ambassadors for the university by appearing
at school events, as well as representing the institution
to the Kansas City Metro community. This year is the
fifth year the cheer team has served as the "official
cheer squad" for the Kansas City Bikers for Babies event,
which on average raises over 1/2 a million dollars for the
Kansas City March of Dimes charity. This is just one of the
large events that you can see the Avila Cheerleaders at in
the Kansas City Area.
Under
the direction of head coach Brittany Stewart, the Eagles
have developed an intensive and comprehensive training program,
which includes physical conditioning and stunt development.
They work together to attain excellence in their performance
with the ultimate goal of competition at the national level.
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