April 06, 2019 at 12:09PM
Competing in just its third national championship, the Bellarmine Cheer Team got off to a great start in Thursday's preliminaries by chalking up the highest score (94.25). That solid start gave the Knights a lead heading into Friday's finals since 25 percent of the final score was based on preliminaries. Turns out, Bellarmine didn't need the leg up, as the team performed even better in the finals with a score of 95.73, which also paced the field.
The Bellarmine coaching staff and team members were not only excited by the team's accomplishment but of how proud the program has evolved over the past three years.
After finishing 16th in 2017, the Knights came back with a strong third place finish in 2018. Coach Shannon Walker joined program late in the 2016-17 season, so last year was the first full year under the new coach.
Walker said the team set the standard or upping expectations and goals after last year's third place finish. "They came in with the mindset this year that, 'we're going to win,'" she said, adding that the team asked for more difficult routines.
"Everything they asked for, they got," Walker said. "They worked hard for it. Never once as a team did they let each other down. They became closer throughout the year; they pushed each other, and they came down here with the mindset that they were going to win."
Senior Adriel Wilson said, "This year our goal was first place. We thought about that all year, and we worked hard every single practice. So we came down here with that mindset, and day one we hit really well, and then day two we hit even better. So we felt as though we really left it all out there on that mat, and the scores reflected that. We're absolutely thrilled, and this is Bellarmine history."
Fellow senior Adam VanRude reflected on the progression of the team. "This team, over my past three years as a cheerleader, has really grown in so many ways," he said. "Our goal this year was first place and the fact that we succeeded and hit our goals really for the past three years means a lot. It really shows how everybody on this team cares about Bellarmine Cheer and each other. Winning a national championship--being the first cheer team in Bellarmine history to do so--really makes me ecstatic. I'm still in shock, and it's been more than two hours since we were awarded first place.
Coach Walker said the team's success could have long-term effects for the team. "People know who we are now," she said. "So I think that will help bring in more talent, and I think from here we'll continue to build and Bellarmine will become one of those names that people recognize for cheer."
The national championship Bellarmine Cheer team consists of 11 women and three men. Team members include:
Seniors: Adam VanRude, Adriel Wilson, Houston Wood
Juniors: Kenna Pancake, Jake Cox
Sophomores: Katie Hopper, Cori Carter, Emily Erato, Kaylie Goodlett, Taylor Glover
Freshmen: Katy McWhorter, Mallory Tinker, Madison Lauter, Hannah Abell
Head Coach: Shannon Walker
Assistant Coach: Charli Knauer
Competing in just its third national championship, the Bellarmine Cheer Team got off to a great start in Thursday's preliminaries by chalking up the highest score (94.25). That solid start gave the Knights a lead heading into Friday's finals since 25 percent of the final score was based on preliminaries. Turns out, Bellarmine didn't need the leg up, as the team performed even better in the finals with a score of 95.73, which also paced the field.
The Bellarmine coaching staff and team members were not only excited by the team's accomplishment but of how proud the program has evolved over the past three years.
After finishing 16th in 2017, the Knights came back with a strong third place finish in 2018. Coach Shannon Walker joined program late in the 2016-17 season, so last year was the first full year under the new coach.
Walker said the team set the standard or upping expectations and goals after last year's third place finish. "They came in with the mindset this year that, 'we're going to win,'" she said, adding that the team asked for more difficult routines.
"Everything they asked for, they got," Walker said. "They worked hard for it. Never once as a team did they let each other down. They became closer throughout the year; they pushed each other, and they came down here with the mindset that they were going to win."
Senior Adriel Wilson said, "This year our goal was first place. We thought about that all year, and we worked hard every single practice. So we came down here with that mindset, and day one we hit really well, and then day two we hit even better. So we felt as though we really left it all out there on that mat, and the scores reflected that. We're absolutely thrilled, and this is Bellarmine history."
Fellow senior Adam VanRude reflected on the progression of the team. "This team, over my past three years as a cheerleader, has really grown in so many ways," he said. "Our goal this year was first place and the fact that we succeeded and hit our goals really for the past three years means a lot. It really shows how everybody on this team cares about Bellarmine Cheer and each other. Winning a national championship--being the first cheer team in Bellarmine history to do so--really makes me ecstatic. I'm still in shock, and it's been more than two hours since we were awarded first place.
Coach Walker said the team's success could have long-term effects for the team. "People know who we are now," she said. "So I think that will help bring in more talent, and I think from here we'll continue to build and Bellarmine will become one of those names that people recognize for cheer."
The national championship Bellarmine Cheer team consists of 11 women and three men. Team members include:
Seniors: Adam VanRude, Adriel Wilson, Houston Wood
Juniors: Kenna Pancake, Jake Cox
Sophomores: Katie Hopper, Cori Carter, Emily Erato, Kaylie Goodlett, Taylor Glover
Freshmen: Katy McWhorter, Mallory Tinker, Madison Lauter, Hannah Abell
Head Coach: Shannon Walker
Assistant Coach: Charli Knauer
Related Posts
UM cheerleader is Rocky in Missoula's 'Rocky Horror Show Live' - Montana Kaimin- High School Football Team Under Investigation for Subjecting Gay Male Cheerleader to Homophobic Abuse, Bullying, and Physical Threats - Towleroad
- Community reacts to alleged homophobic slur: ‘Morally reprehensible, absolutely unacceptable’ - The Mercury News
- Saweetie returns to her Alma Mater USC as a cheerleader - RADIO.COM
- Colts host family-friendly Horseshoe Halloween Party - WTHR