MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2017 National High School Cheerleading Championship and National Dance Team Championship, produced by the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association, both Varsity Spirit brands, recently hosted more than 18,000 of the country's top high school cheerleaders and dancers. The cheerleading championship took place Feb. 11 – 12 and the dance championship the previous weekend of Feb. 3 – 5, both at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida.

"These athletes have devoted hundreds of hours to leading the crowds at games and pep rallies, generating spirit in their schools and communities, and supporting their schools' athletic teams," said Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Spirit. "It's an honor to host these championships to recognize these dedicated and talented young people."

The two events showcased the talent of more than 5,500 dancers from 350 teams and 14,000 cheerleaders from 700 teams.  Cheerleading teams are judged on their crowd leading abilities, stunting and tumbling skills and overall performance. The dance competition is judged on choreography, technique, execution and overall effect. All teams competing in the championship had to qualify at a regional event or camp in order to participate.

Varsity Spirit live-streamed both of the championships on Varsity TV, and segments of each performance will be posted next week on Varsity TV so fans who missed the event can watch their favorite teams. The competitions will also air on ESPNU and ESPN2 starting in late March. Viewers can check their local listings for air times.

Cheerleading Large Division winners included:

• Large Varsity Division I (>1,600 school enrollments): Hunterdon Central High School—Flemington, NJ
• Large Varsity Division II (<1,599 school enrollments): St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls—Philadelphia, PA
• Large Varsity Coed (21-30 members; 8+ males): Dyer County High School—Newbern, Tennessee

Cheerleading Medium Division winners included:

• Medium Varsity Division I (>1,300 school enrollments): Ravenwood High School—Brentwood, Tennessee
• Medium Varsity Division II (<1,299 school enrollments): Greenup County High School—Greenup, Kentucky
• Medium Varsity Coed (21 - 25 members; 4-7 males): McCracken County High School—Paducah, Kentucky

Cheerleading Small Division winners included:

• Small Varsity Division I (>1,300 school enrollments): El Dorado High School—Placentia, California
• Small Varsity Division II (<1,299 school enrollments): Pikeville High School—Pikeville, Kentucky
• Small Varsity Coed (5-20 members; 1-4 males): Blackman High School – Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Dance Team Large Varsity winners included:

• Large Varsity Hip Hop (17 or more members): Eisenhower High School—Shelby Township, Michigan
• Large Varsity Pom (17 or more members): Floyd Central High School—Floyd's Knob, Indiana
• Large Varsity Jazz (17 or more members): Eisenhower High School— Shelby Township, Michigan
• Large Varsity High Kick (17 or more members): Maine South High School —Park Ridge, Illinois

Dance Team Medium Varsity winners included:

• Medium Varsity Hip Hop (13-16 members): Carlsbad High School —Carlsbad, California
• Medium Varsity Pom (13-16 members): St. Thomas More Catholic School—Lafayette, Louisiana
• Medium Varsity Jazz (13-16 members): St. Thomas More Catholic School—Lafayette, Louisiana

Dance Team Small Varsity winners included:

• Small Varsity Hip Hop (7-12 members): Academy of the Holy Angels—Demarest, New Jersey
• Small Varsity Pom (7-12 members): Los Alamitos High School—Los Alamitos, California
• Small Varsity Jazz (7-12 members): Los Alamitos High School—Los Alamitos, California

More than 40,000 spectators attended the national championship events, with performances at five different venues within ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® Resort. 

The Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association are dedicated to the safe and responsible practice of cheerleading and dance, and all teams participating in the National High School Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships comply with the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators' safety guidelines.

About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit has been a driving force behind cheerleading's dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, and the leading global source for all things cheerleading and dance. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation and educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting nearly a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's 5,000 employees have been helping raise cheerleading's influence and profile since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit www.varsity.com or www.varsitybrands.com.

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SOURCE Varsity Spirit

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