Wow.

That is the only thing that I could possibly say after a NCA/NDA College Nationals like this one this year! So much has happened, some good and some not so good, but it definitely has been an interesting year at Daytona Beach College Nationals. I must say, to be on the other side of this event was definitely interesting, and I was so proud of my Alma Mater after this past weekend. Before we talk about teams, let's take a look at what exactly College Nationals is, and what it consisted of.

NCA/NDA College Nationals is unlike any other collegiate cheerleading competition on the planet. Teams from across the nation travel to Daytona Beach, FL to compete in the national competition. On the first day, everyone competes. For cheerleading, If you are an advanced team with advanced skills you compete inside at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, and if you are an Intermediate Team you compete on the Bandshell next to Daytona Beach. On the Dance side of the competition teams compete in both the Peabody Center, and the Ocean Center.

On the second day the cheerleading Advanced Teams, compete on the Bandshell and the Intermediate Teams compete in the Ocean Center. (That is if you make a high enough score to advance to the second day.) On the Dance side, teams compete on the Bandshell, and also the Ocean Center. Team such as Louisville, Navarro, and Oklahoma State show everyone their top notch athletic skills, and make any college team drop their jaws at their performances. This is an awesome and incredible experience!

This year Stetson University decided to take a team to College Nationals. Now, if you go to Stetson University, you know that our cheerleading team isn't the best but definitely makes an effort to be good. They took their competition team, and competed in the Intermediate Coed I Division. Now as I said before, at College Nationals if you do not make a high enough score to advance to the second day, you go to Challenge Cup. (It is a serious athlete's worst nightmare). Sadly, Stetson was one of those teams that ended up going to challenge cup, and finally placing 13 out of 18 teams in their division. Below is the Challenge Cup score sheet, and their division finalists score sheets.

As you can see, the first screenshot is the Challenge Cup division for Stetson's Division (Meaning they didn't make it to the second day). The second screenshot shows is titled Finalists since these are the top teams in their division. Now everyone has been told that Stetson got third in their division, but ultimately they were third in Challenge Cup, making them 13 out of 18.

That is a BIG misconception on campus the past few days, and since I personally take cheerleading seriously I want to bring everyone to the light. Stetson DID receive third place in Challenge Cup and 13th over all, but NOT third in their division. Not the truth that has been told the past few days. Make sense?

On the other hand, my Alma Mater: Valdosta State University, did very well! They placed third overall in Small Coed II Advanced, and fourth overall in Intermediate Small Coed II. The Advanced team was originally in fifth place overall on the first day, and then ended up being third on the second day! Our Dance Team, the Red Hots, also did phenomenally well. They ended up placing second in Jazz Division II, and also second in Hip Hop Division II. I am extremely proud of both of them and I am looking forward to watching next year.

NCA College Nationals will always show a couple of things of athletes. One being your true hard work and dedication. The other being who really wants to win a National Title. It all comes down to who wants it the most, and it shows every year whenever you go to compete. Nonetheless, if you are not an athlete I encourage you to come and watch! It's a great experience to see some teams, and also a great time seeing the sport of cheerleading. If you're wondering other school's rankings at NCA College Nationals, make sure you go to visit the website. For the athletes out there competing next year, remember NCA's slogan: "The work is worth it."