THE Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad dethroned the two-time defending champion National University as they captured the championship in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Sunday, May 22, at the packed SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cheering Squad of FEU made a powerful impression with their dominantly dark green outfits with gold linings in the middle and maintained that momentum throughout in a performance saluting the famous rock band, Queen. The near-flawless number garnered them 727.5 points - 39 better than their closest competitors.
“It's been 12 years since our last championship. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing all our hard work pay off,” said coach Randell San Gregorio.
In the last two seasons, FEU won back-to-back silvers before breaking through this year, topping all five categories of tumblings, stunts, tosses, pyramids, and dance. They also didn’t tally any penalties and deductions, proving to be a worthy champion who will also bring home the P50,000 cash prize, as well as P40,000 as the Skechers Best Performance.
NU, which had won six of the last seven competitions, dropped down to third on the podium as their routine paying homage to '90s music fell short of their high standards. Not as clean and as crisp as they had been before, the Bulldogs wound up with a score of 681, and were rewarded with P20,000, together with P40,000 from the Silka Awra Dance Move special award.
Meanwhile, the Adamson Pep Squad soared from third to second behind a country music-inspired performance that was soundly executed for 688.5 points.
Finishing fourth was the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, followed by the UE Pep Squad, UP Pep Squad, DLSU Animo Squad, and Ateneo Blue Eagles. (JNP)