LAS -- The BYU Cheer Squad proved its worth once again at the 2005 USA Collegiate Cheerleading Nationals Feb. 6-7, placing second behind the University of Oregon in the 4-Year Large College Co-ed Division.
The Cougars are not strangers to the national spotlight, as they have qualified for the national competition four times in the last ten years. During their first appearance at the Collegiate Nationals in 1995, the squad earned first-place honors. They returned two years later in 1997, taking home the second-place prize.
Last year the squad placed first in the 4-Year Small College Co-ed Division. This year's competition marks the first time the Cougars have participated in the 4-Year Large College Co-ed Division.
Cheer Squad Captain Ben Lewis said he thinks the Cougars performed well, despite having less time to prepare for this year's competition.
"Last year, we had a little more confidence because the competition wasn't until March," Lewis said. "This year, everyone was a little more apprehensive because we didn't have as much time to prepare. With that in mind, we were really excited to take second place."
The Collegiate Nationals began Sunday, but due to the university's policy on Sunday competition, tournament officials allowed the BYU squad to begin its preliminary competition on Monday morning.
The Cougars advanced quickly to the final competition Monday morning, shaking away any tension they felt during their preliminary routine. During the final competition, the Cougars performed one of the more difficult routines of the day, but struggled in some areas of their routine.
"Everyone was really pumped up and excited going into the finals," Lewis said. "We had a more difficult routine than the other schools and we didn't do as well as we hoped. We had some slip-ups here and there."
Earning a second-place finish this year has added to the Cougars' determination to develop a national tradition every year, said BYU Cheer Squad head coach Nicole Pratt.
"This is the first time that BYU has competed for two successive years," Pratt said. "The squad is energized by their success and inspired to work towards a national title next year, funds permitting."
According to Pratt, this year's trip to the Collegiate Nationals came as a result of a generous donation from a cheer squad supporter. She said she hopes funding will be available in future years to help realize the cheer squad's plans for a national prize.