Cheer Team Places Fourth at NCA Championships

Friday, April 8

Daytona Beach, Fla.

5 PM

University of New Hampshire

NCA National Championships

4/19/2022 12:15:00 PM | Cheerleading

Wildcats score program-record 95.6157 at Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The UNH cheerleading team scored a program-best 95.6157 and placed fourth in the final round of the 2022 National Cheerleading Association National Championships (Advanced All-Girl Division I) at the Daytona Beach Band Shell on Friday, April 8.

The pandemic made the Wildcats wait nearly three years to return to the NCA, but UNH rose to the challenge and made it four straight Top-5 placements (2017-19; '22), returning to Durham as the highest-scoring advanced college cheerleading team from New England.

"I'm incredibly proud of the year we've had," head coach Scott Rigoli said. "Not only was this team talented, but they had such great attitudes and were truly a pleasure to coach all year long. During finals, our mistakes in the pyramid were devastating and heartbreaking, but I believe this has sparked the flame to come back better and stronger next year.

"This one moment did not define the success of our year. I'm already looking forward to next year," Rigoli added. "This team will forever hold a special place in my heart!"

In preliminary round competition Thursday, April 7, the team executed a flawless routine, and went into the final round of competition in third place.

WATCH PRELIMINARY ROUND (YOUTUBE)

"This team, as well as this year, has been very special. In all my years of coaching I have never coached a team like this," assistant coach Brad Burlamachi said. "Our chemistry as a team is something I haven't experienced before. When the success of our competitive season rides on 4 minutes and 30 seconds, it's easy to get wrapped up in all the emotions.

"As a program we have so much to be proud of," Burlamachi added. "We brought 22 cheerleaders who have never experienced NCA College Nationals. Only our five seniors have previously attended. These 'Cats have just scratched the surface!"

2022 National Cheerleading Association National Championship
April 7-8 • Daytona Beach Bandshell and Ocean Center
Full Results

ABOUT UNH CHEERLEADING
The University of New Hampshire cheerleading program is a competitive Division 1 All-Girl team. UNH Cheerleading brings Wildcat spirit to select athletic contests by entertaining the students and fans at athletic venues and community events. The team provides spirit and entertainment at home football games, men's & women's home basketball games, and select away/postseason athletic events.

In addition to promoting various athletic events on campus, the team trains and practices year-round to compete locally and nationally. They compete annually at NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla. In 2017, the team won the NCA D1 All-Girl National Championship. Aside from competing and promoting spirit across Wildcat Country, the team participates in various community events throughout the year.

The cheerleading program is partially funded and supported by the UNH Department of Athletics. The team also participates in various fundraising events throughout the year to help fund the cost of travel, entry fees, and hotel accommodations.

If you'd like to donate to the team, PLEASE CLICK HERE.