MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The Spring Arbor University competitive cheer team traveled to Mount Vernon Nazarene University Saturday to compete in a pair of competitions against Bethel University and the host team, MVNU.

The Cougars opened their season at home last weekend with a performance they were not proud of – they knew they needed something better this week. Heading into Invite #1, the positivity was flowing, and the energy was right. The highlights of Invite #1 were two flawlessly executed pyramids that helped bring in the second-highest score in program history of 78.9. During this performance they had one touch on a tumbling pass and two stunt bobbles that prevented the team from breaking 80 and sat them in second behind Bethel, who scored 80.0. The host team, MVNU, rounded out the top-3 with a very strong 78.4.

The team excitement and focus continued into Invite #2 where the comments from the judges were taken to heart and the performance improved. This routine started with an excellent set of triple jumps that earned a 9.7 from the judges and set the stage for a strong round. Running tumbling was timed excellently and group stunts hit. For the second time in program history, the Cougars broke 80, scoring an 80.65 – replacing the second-best score earned earlier that day. This performance earned them first place for Invite #2, just edging out Bethel's 80.6 and MVNU's 79.35.

Senior Nicole Clement expressed her pride and excitement for her team's achievements, saying, "I am so proud of our team today! It's so exciting to be competing and scoring this well so early in the season! It's a motivating feeling and I'm beyond excited to see what we can accomplish together through the rest of the season!"

Freshman Keira Etzelmiller shared her heartfelt experience, noting, "These two competitions today were an answer to prayer. The last two competitions before these had not gone as well as I'd personally hoped for, and I didn't want to walk away with that same painfully disappointed feeling again. So, from before we started warmups for our first competition, and all throughout warmups I was begging God to help us perform well. As we were walking down to wait for our turn, I spotted a verse on one of the walls. 1 Corinthians 10:31, 'Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.' And that was a reminder that I needed. After we prayed as a group, I continued to pray, as I mentally ran through the routine. And then we competed. And God answered yes. It's all thanks to Him, and I am so thankful and feel so blessed."

Next up, Spring Arbor travels to Madonna University on Saturday, Feb. 8.

 
MVNU Invitational #1
1.Bethel University – 80.0
2.Spring Arbor – 78.9
3.Mount Vernon Nazarene University – 78.4
 
MVNU Invitational #2
1.Spring Arbor – 80.65
2.Bethel University – 80.60
3.Mount Vernon Nazarene University – 79.35
 
TOP-10 PROGRAM SCORES
1.80.85 – Taylor University (2024)
2.80.65 – MVNU Invitational #2 (2025)
3.78.9 – MVNU Invitational #1 (2025)
4.78.33 – Wildcat Invite 1 (2024)
5.78.20 – Cougar Classic #2 (2024)
6.77.96 – 2024 Crossroads League Championships (2024)
7.76.17 – Cardinal Invite (2022)
8.74.80 – Wildcat Invite (2022)
9.74.60 – 2023 Crossroads League Championships (2023)
10.74.55 – Wildcat Invite 3 (2023)