University Of Kentucky, Indiana University, Auburn University, University Of Minnesota And University Of Cincinnati Take Top Titles At The National College Cheer And Dance Team Championships

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After months of practice, more than 4,000 of the country's top college cheerleaders and dancers from 192 teams competed this weekend in the College Cheer and Dance Team National Championships, produced by the Universal Cheerleaders Association and the Universal Dance Association, two of the Varsity brands. The prestigious championships, showcasing the country's best college cheerleaders, dance team performers and mascots, took place at the Walt Disney Resort® in Orlando, Fla., from Jan. 17 - 19.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140120/CL49157 )

These groups have spent months on the sidelines cheering on some of the best teams in college sports, and all the hours of hard work and preparation was highlighted when each team took the stage. In its 30^th year, the two-day event hosted 106 squads in the cheerleading division and 86 teams in the dance team division. Cheerleading teams were judged on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading abilities and overall performance.  The dance competition was judged on choreography, technique, execution and overall effect. Mascots also had their chance to compete, with 15 mascots entertaining the judges and fans alike. All teams are classified according to NCAA classification. 

Varsity will be posting segments of each performance on www.varsity.com so fans around the world can watch their favorite teams. The competitions will also air on ESPNU starting Feb. 16 and on ESPN2 starting March 2. Viewers can check their local listings for air times.

The Division 1A Winners included:

Coed Cheer:       University of Kentucky
All Girl Cheer:     Indiana University
Mascot:               Auburn University – "Aubie"
Jazz:                   University of Minnesota
Hip Hop:              University of Cincinnati
Pom:                   University of Minnesota

An estimated 7,000 spectators attended the national championship events, with performances at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the J Center on the grounds of the Walt Disney World Resort.

About Varsity
Varsity is the source for all things cheerleading and dance.  Founded in 1974, the organization has become an innovative global leader comprised of top spirit brands and organizations. Varsity is a leader in uniform innovation, and more than 350,000 cheerleaders and dancers attend Varsity educational camps and clinics per year. Varsity's National Cheer and Dance Championships, many of which are held at the Walt Disney World® Resorts, have been televised on ESPN Networks for more than 25 years.  Leading the way in cheerleading safety, Varsity has been an avid supporter of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators since 1987. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the organization employs 5,000 employees nationwide.  For more information about Varsity, please visit www.varsity.com.

SOURCE Varsity