GEORGETOWN, Ky. – The Spring Arbor University competitive cheer team traveled to Georgetown College to compete in two rounds at the Tiger Invitational on Saturday putting in two solid performances. The team earned third place and second place with scores that rank #2 and #3 overall in program history.
 
In Round 1, Spring Arbor had a nearly perfect routine, with a tumbling error holding them back from a clean routine by a 0.25 deduction. The team showed energy, excitement and solid execution to earn them a score of 86.11. This was the first time the program has had three tuck X Out baskets thrown on the mat and also the debut of some new stunts and dismounts. The University of the Cumberlands won the round with a 94.05, followed by the host school, Georgetown (87.23), and Spring Arbor with an 86.11. Rounding out the top-5 was Marian University (85.00) and Cumberland University (79.55). Lindsey Wilson College, Midway University and Brescia University completed the standings.
 
In the final minutes of warmups before Round 2, Spring Arbor had an injury to a flyer. After talking with the onsite training staff, the athlete was deemed fit to perform and made the decision to push through for their team. The Cougars were made to hold for close to 20 minutes after completing their warmup, far past the 10 minutes that is typical due to judging conversations. This injury and the extra time to cool off caused some falls from group stunts and a bobble during the pyramid that prevented SAU from hitting a flawless routine. However, they still had a solid score and brought in an 82.70 as their tumbling, jumps and dance were well executed and the other group stunts delivered. Cumberlands again won the round with an 87.33. Spring Arbor claimed the second spot with an 82.70, followed by Cumberland (77.23), Marian (76.36), then Midway with a 70.00. Lindsey Wilson and Brescia completed the standings.
 
This is what freshman Mia Madison had to say about the weekend," I think that the team did really well. There is always room for improvement and things to work on. As an individual, I think that I did good too, but I too know that I can perform better and give more excitement to the routine. ?That will be something I work on next week. I really think what motivated us today was talking through our team motto, #FOF3AGTG.?That pushed us to power through the day, even though we had a couple falls, we still got up, and we kept going, and we had a really big save during the pyramid in round 2. I can't wait for next week in front of our home crowd."
 
This is what junior captain Emiley Baxter had to say about the weekend, "We did really well in the first round, came out strong, and performed well. Before we got on the mat we talked about our motto and what it means to us. Talking about it now reminds the team to think less about themselves and more about the whole team. We scored super well, hitting almost everything. Round two went a little downhill, but the team recovered well and didn't score that bad even with the few problems we did have. All around we did good in thinking more as a team."
 
This is what sophomore Whitney Ruger had to say about the weekend, "I am so incredibly proud how this cheer family has grown over the season. This weekend, we competed at a level never seen before. Our first performance was close to flawless. We took on the mat with courage and confidence. The Cougs truly did eat! Our second time out was equally impressive, despite minor setbacks. I am so proud of this team and how we manage to fight, pull through, and reach our highest potential. As for me, I can only give all the glory to God! He gave me the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful team. I couldn't thank Him and Coach enough. I am proud of what I left out on the mat this weekend! Every stunt I was part of was a hit! Overall, this weekend spent in Georgetown, Kentucky was truly so wonderful. I loved every moment. From silly memories with the team, to exploring the Ark Encounter, and for giving our all on the mat, this weekend was one for the books. Go Cougs!!"
 
Next up, the competitive cheer team is at home for Senior Day this Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. and will celebrate Anna Edwards, Xandria Stephenson and Sarah De la Grange.
 

Tiger Invite Round 1
1. Cumberlands – 94.05
2. Georgetown – 87.23
3. Spring Arbor – 86.11
4. Marian – 85.00
5. Cumberland – 79.55
6. Lindsey Wilson – 70.30
7. Midway – 68.63
8. Brescia – 58.00
 
Tiger Invite Round 2
1. Cumberlands – 87.33
2. Spring Arbor – 82.70
3. Cumberland – 77.23
4. Marian – 76.36
5. Midway – 70.00
6. Lindsey Wilson – 68.68
7. Brescia – 68.20
 
TOP 10 PROGRAM SCORES
1. 88.20 – Wildcat Weekend Session #2 (2026)
2. 86.11 – Tiger Invite Round 1 (2026)
3. 82.70 – Tiger Invite Round 2 (2026) 
4. 82.10 – Wildcat Weekend Session #1 (2026)
5. 80.85 – Trojan Invite (2024)
6. 80.65 – MVNU Invite #2 (2025)
7. 80.47 – Trojan Invite #2 (2025)
8. 78.90 – MVNU Invite #1 (2025)
9. 78.85 – Trojan Invite #1 (2025)
10. 78.33 – Wildcat Invite #1 (2024)