KUTZTOWN, PA (January 21, 2010) – The Kutztown University cheer team finished sixth at the Universal Cheerleaders Association's 2010 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship held at The Milk House, operated by Walt Disney World in Celebration, Florida. (Watch Kutztown's national performance during finals http://launch.producerhq.com/706) 

The 22-member roster competed in the all-girl Division II category, which consisted of 16 teams from around the country. Within the all-girl Division II, Kutztown made it to the final round, allowing the team to perform in front of a packed stadium, and national television audience.

“The environment can be very stressful and intimidating,” assistant coach Alison Lance said. “Teams are practicing all over the place, all the time.”

Kutztown arrived Friday, January 15 and spent the day rehearsing the routine at The Milk House, Disney World's state-of-the-art indoor sports venue housing over 5,000 seats. It is part of the Disney Wide World of Sports facilities.  

When not in the arena, the Golden Bear squad was practicing in the courtyard of Walt Disney World's All Star Sports Hotel, where the team was staying.

“Being able to perform at a huge national competition is a privileged because not a lot of schools are able to,” Lance said.

In order to qualify for a national spot, each squad had to submit a video showcasing their stunts and routine, and a second video highlighting the squad's crowd interaction and crowd participation.

“It's an awesome feeling (placing in top 10) because we are down there representing Kutztown on a national level and bringing home a national trophy,” Lance said.  “The girls worked very hard to achieve their goal and by bringing home a national trophy, the girls hope to gain the respect that they deserve.”

The cheer team can be seen at all home women and men basketball events, as well as all home football games.

--KU--