SPRING ARBOR, Mich. ---The Bethel Competitive Cheer Teams competed at the second Cougar Classic on Saturday at American 1 Credit Union Arena on the campus of Spring Arbor University.
The Advanced Team finished third out of four teams, and the Intermediate Team posted an incredible 17 point increase from last week's competition.
The competition scores were as follows:
| Place |
Institution |
Score |
| 1 |
Spring Arbor |
90.2 |
| 2 |
Madonna |
88.77 |
| 3 |
Bethel (Advanced) |
82.57 |
| 4 |
Lourdes |
78.58 |
| DNS |
Bethel (Intermediate) |
77.17 |
The Intermediate Team increased the difficulty of its routine by upgrading to an unbraced 2-1-1 pyramid, adding an additional basket, and significantly improving their tuck X-out baskets.
Head Coach Lexie Sturgill reflected on the Intermediate Team's performance, sharing, "Our Intermediate Team had an incredible performance today, earning a 77.17 — up from 59.35 last week — for a 17.82-point increase and a record score for our Intermediate program! A jump of nearly 18 points in one week is significant at this level. Even more exciting, this score matches the average scoring range of our Advanced Team last season...We are so thankful for the Lord's protection over our athletes on the mat and for the opportunity to continue building and advancing our Intermediate program."
The Advanced Team showcased the most difficult routine in Bethel Competitive Cheer History, as the program continues to raise its standard with an unbraced 2-1-1 pyramid, an added front flip dismount, with improved transition elements throughout the routine.
Regarding the Advanced Team, Sturgill wrote, "...After earning an 80.01 last weekend, they returned to the mat today and delivered an 82.57 — the highest score in Bethel Cheer history under the new NCA scoring rubric. Even more impressive, this performance included zero tumbling deductions, a testament to their discipline, preparation, and execution...More importantly, we are incredibly proud of how they represent Christ and Bethel University...with a heart for the Lord and a visible desire to glorify Him through all they do."
The Competitive Cheer Program will next compete at Taylor University on Feb. 28.
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