UPLAND, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University competitive cheer team wrapped up its regular season on Saturday, traveling to Taylor University. The Cougars competed against a stacked field of competitors and came out with a score of 84.20, earning a third place finish.
Indiana Wesleyan University claimed first place (90.70) followed closely by host school Taylor (90.23). Just behind Spring Arbor was the University of Mobile (83.73), with Georgetown College not far back at 81.75. Rounding out the field were Bethel University, the University of Saint Francis, and Aquinas College.
Spring Arbor's success this season has been nothing short of impressive. The team has consistently proven it belongs in the conversation for top placements, never dropping below third place all season. Of the nine meets it has competed in, SAU earned a program top-10 score at seven of them. The Cougars finish the regular season with an average of 81.90, an impressive increase from last year's 74.25, and are currently ranked 24th out of 65 schools in the NAIA and seventh out of 20 in ARC 2.
During Saturday's routine, the Cougars incurred two deductions when a stunt bobbled and a pyramid did not catch. Despite these setbacks, the performance featured some of their strongest running and standing tumbling of the season. Running tumbling timing was especially impressive after some changes made during the week. Their energy and presence on the mat once again stood out as top tier.
This is what sophomore
Layla Tanner had to say about the competition, "Every single weekend, I am amazed all over again. I believe the gifts the Lord has given each girl shine through every time they take the mat. This competition went so well, and it's such a blessing just to be part of this team, let alone part of the historic season we're having. The season overall has been nothing short of unforgettable. I can't wait to see what we do at league finals!"
Sophomore
Sydney Williams said, "The competition went really well. We had a solid warm up and performed another great routine. This season has been one for the books. Our team culture has been amazing and our drive to be better each week is unreal. We've had an amazing run heading into league finals!"
Junior
Makayla McGarry said, "This season has been amazing so far. We have set and broke the school record so many times. This team is truly a blessing to be part of. Everyone works so hard and pushes each other to be the best we can be. This competition went really well for us. I felt like baskets were really good today and I think it was our best tumbling this season. I felt like we had great energy on the mat. I love hearing how we all cheer each other on during the routine."
Next up, the Cougars travel to the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the Crossroads League Championship on Mar. 6-7.
Taylor Invitational
1. Indiana Wesleyan – 90.70
2. Taylor – 90.23
3. Spring Arbor – 84.20
4. Mobile – 83.73
5. Georgetown – 81.75
6. Bethel – 74.57
7. Saint Francis – 71.27
8. Aquinas – 63.50
(Bethel Intermediate's score was 73.63 and Grace College's score was 83.72, but both performed as exhibition and did not count toward final standings)
TOP 10 PROGRAM SCORES
1. 90.20 – Cougar Classic #2 (2026)
2. 88.20 – Wildcat Weekend Session #2 (2026)
3. 86.11 – Tiger Invite Round 1 (2026)
4. 84.20 – Taylor Invitational (2026)
5. 82.70 – Tiger Invite Round 2 (2026)
6. 82.10 – Wildcat Weekend Session #1 (2026)
7. 80.85 – Trojan Invite (2024)
8. 80.65 – MVNU Invite #2 (2025)
9. 80.47 – Trojan Invite #2 (2025)
10. 78.90 – MVNU Invite #1 (2025)
