FALL 2009

Cheerleading captures Shorter's first-ever team national title
by Matt Green

For Shorter head cheerleading coach Rachel Magness, one year was all it took.

In just its first season of competition, the Lady Hawks cheerleading squad became the first Shorter team to win a national championship, taking first place in the All-Girl II Intermediate category of the NCA / NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. from April 8-12.

“Everyone is excited and proud of what we did today,” Magness said immediately following her team’s historic performance. “A lot of people were really amazed at what we accomplished and now know the name of Shorter College in collegiate cheerleading.” The Lady Hawks posted a final score of 8.273, outlasting several other talented squads to take home the trophy. Not to be outdone, the Hawks’ co-ed team nearly pulled off a monumental upset, placing second in Cheer Division II with a final tally of 8.855, just behind seven-time defending national champion Hawaii Pacific University. “People are really surprised that a first-year program could have the success that we have had,” said Magness.

Both squads began training for competition in the fall, preparing while entertaining the crowds at Shorter football and basketball games. The all-girl team consisted of 20 members while the co-ed squad carried 19.

More than 10,000 cheerleaders, dancers, coaches and fans assembled in Daytona Beach to take part in the largest collegiate cheer and dance event in the world.

The NCA / NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship hosts 200 college teams from across the country and around the world as they compete in 20 different divisions for the honor and privilege of being crowned NCA / NDA Collegiate National Champions.

Shorter Girls Cheerleading team celebrating their national title in Daytona Beach, FL