DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Apr. 14, 2016) - Last week, the LIU Post cheerleading team took its talents to Daytona Beach, earning a second-place showing at the National Cheerleading Association College Championships in the Intermediate Small Co-Ed Division II category.
 
The Pioneers, who improved on a 17th-place finish in 2015, came up four-tenths of a point shy of their first-ever national title in just their second appearance at the event.
 
"I could not be more proud of the athletes on this team, as they faced obstacles this year that I have never experience in my 15 years in this sport," said Head Cheerleading Coach Katelin Townsend. "They pushed themselves to new limits and overcame their adversities. The girls learned something more important than winning this year. They learned how to come together as a team."
 
Townsend later added: "Although in competition, a second-place finish is not usually the goal, I think we bypassed every goal we set for ourselves and are ready to become a national champion next year."
 
LIU Post also cheered its way to hoisting the Challenge Cup, which qualified them for an automatic bid to the finals.
 
"This team experienced its ups and downs throughout the year, but never lost their fight," Assistant Cheerleading Coach Matthew Blanar stated. "Heading down to Daytona Beach, I never imagined we would have been as resilient and successful as we were. Placing second in the nation proves how determined these athletes are."
 
"Words do not describe how proud I am to be their coach and how amazed I am at what they accomplished," Blanar further commented. "I look forward to what next year has to bring for these amazing athletes."
 
For more information on the Pioneers' cheerleading team, please continue to visit LIUPostPioneers.com.