MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The Spring Arbor University competitive cheer team finished sixth out of eight teams at the Crossroads League Championships on Saturday held at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
 
Heading into the day, the Cougars were excited to complete the most difficult routine in team history. The team nailed their first routine, hitting a zero-deduction routine and wowing the crowd.
 
Spring Arbor was one of only three teams to throw three full stunt groups during finals, keeping 14 athletes on the mat. During finals, there was one scary fall and a shaky pyramid, but the team performed well. The performances earned the team a sixth place finish, but more importantly it showcased all the hard work they had done during the season.

Indiana Wesleyan University captured its fifth straight conference title. Marian University and the University of Saint Francis tied for second place.

The day concluded with league awards where a new stat system was implemented by coaches to help in the distribution of these teams. For the first time in school history, SAU had four athletes recognized by the Crossroads League. Anna Edwards (junior backspot), Katelyn McGarry (senior base), Caleigh Tyler (senior flyer) and Emiley Baxter (sophomore flyer) were named Honorable Mention All-Crossroads Leage.
 
The honors continued for SAU with head coach Hannah Philson taking home the Crossroads League Coach of the Year award.
 
Freshman Layla Tanner had this to say, "I think today went very well. In prelims, group stunt #1 and #2 for all three group stunts hit both times! I landed both layout passes in competition and did it twice! The energy was very high on the mat. We were all very confident going into competition today."
 
Sophomore Emiley Baxter said, "I am very proud of how the team brought all the hard work we've been putting in during practice onto the mat today. We had three stunt groups throwing the same stunts and dismounts. I am going to miss my seniors dearly as they are such a huge part to this team, on and off the mat. They are always their giving 100%."
 
Head coach Hannah Philson had this to say about the performances today, "Watching our prelim performances was one of those experiences that you dream about as a coach. The energy and excitement the team brought was incredible. I was so hyped through the entire thing and in complete disbelief by the time they made it to the end. Having other teams come up to us and tell us how impressed they were made for an exciting day. Unfortunately, this routine did not score the way we hoped it would due to a number of factors. The judges asked the team to make some changes for finals and we went to work. The second routine was not as good as the first, but it was still something to be proud of. This team has accomplished so much this season, it has been a joy to lead them."

 
Crossroads League Championship Prelims (25% of total)
1. Indiana Wesleyan University – 87.27
2. Taylor University – 81.97
3. Marian University – 81.32
4. University of Saint Francis – 78.27
5. Bethel University – 73.77
6. Spring Arbor University – 70.93
7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University – 65.13
8. Huntington University – 55.07

Crossroads League Championship Finals (75% of total)
1. Indiana Wesleyan University – 87.87
2. University of Saint Francis – 83.23
3. Marian University – 82.22
4. Taylor University – 81.73
5. Spring Arbor University – 75.43
6. Bethel University – 75.23
7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University – 70.08
8. Huntington University – 56.06

Crossroads League Championship Overall Scores
1. Indiana Wesleyan University – 87.72
2. Marian University – 81.99
2. University of Saint Francis – 81.99
4. Taylor University – 81.79
5. Bethel University – 74.87
6. Spring Arbor University – 74.31
7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University – 68.85
8. Huntington University – 55.82  
 

TOP-10 PROGRAM SCORES
1. 80.85 – Trojan Invite (2024)
2. 80.65 – MVNU Invite #2 (2025)
3. 80.47 – Trojan Invite #2 (2025)
4. 78.9 – MVNU Invite #1 (2025)
5. 78.85 – Trojan Invite #1 (2025)
6. 78.33 – Wildcat Invite 1 (2024)
7. 78.20 – Cougar Classic #2 (2024)
8. 77.96 – 2024 Crossroads League Championships (2024)
9. 76.17 – Cardinal Invite (2022)
10. 74.80 – Wildcat Invite (2022)