The spirit groups of Southeastern have returned from their trip to the Universal Cheerleader Association (UCA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship victorious as they both left Orlando with top ten finishes.

Southeastern’s cheerleaders placed 2nd in small co-ed while the Lionettes brought home a 3rd place finish in hip hop and a 6th place finish in jazz. The competition, held over the weekend of Jan. 13-15, pitted both spirit squads against other squads from across the nation.

For Spirit Coordinator Paige Lapeyrouse, the cheerleader’s performance at Nationals marks their best performance yet while the Lionettes results show steady consistency in their program.

“This is a huge accomplishment. This is the best Southeastern has ever placed going for cheer,” said Lapeyrouse. “The biggest thing for the Lionettes is that they have been a consistent program. We’ve definitely had a very consistent program in dance.”

Lapeyrouse attributes the achievements of both squads at Nationals this year to practice and hard work. She explained that while the rest of the university was on break, the spirit squads were at school practicing and working for the result they achieved.

“They got out Dec. 10 when exams ended and they were here on the 11th practicing,” Lapeyrouse said. “They had five days off for the entire Christmas break and they were here everyday practicing, doing what they needed to do.”

The announcement of their top ten finish happened at last week’s women’s basketball game at home against McNeese State. According to Lapeyrouse, the cheerleaders and the Lionettes received a large round of applause from the home crowd.

“People stood up for them and I think it made them feel just accomplished,” said Lapeyrouse. “Both sides, cheer and dance, felt accomplished for what they’ve done.”

Lapeyrouse explained that even though competition season is over, the spirit groups will continue to perform at basketball games and some baseball games. Additionally, they will begin moving into tryout season where they will host clinics and practices up until the beginning of tryouts in the first weekend of May.

“They are athletes. What they do is a very athletic thing,” Lapeyrouse said. “I think they’re definitely that middle person from the student to the spirit to the athlete. That really is their priority. To enhance the spirit and to get them and other students involved.”

For more information about Southeastern’s spirit groups, visit www.lionsports.net. Information on the Nationals competition can be found at www.varsity.com.