The Saint Francis cheerleading team competed at the National Cheerleading Association’s annual event April 10-11, in Daytona, Florida.

The team placed seventh at the event, advancing to the second day of competition.

“Our weakness was just having a young squad,” said the team’s coach, Tara Brumbaugh. “This is also our greatest strength for next competition season because we will have a lot of returners to lead the squad and grow from our experience.”

The squad competed on the intermediate level in the all-girls division. The NCA event is one of the three biggest cheer competitions in the United States.

“We have now witnessed what it takes to be tops in the nation,” said Liz Ritenour, a junior cheerleader at Saint Francis. “We will begin implementing those skills as much as possible in our sideline routines throughout football and basketball season so we can improve.”

Brumbaugh said she is proud of all the work the squad put into their routine.

“To even be at nationals is an accomplishment in itself,” said Brumbaugh. “And it is even more impressive to make it through to the final round.”

Jessica Zeak, a graduating cheerleader and team captain, said she knows there are some girls who will really step up next year and who will build upon this year’s performance.

“In the final event, our routine had a ‘major fall,’ which is what hurt our scoring the most,” said Brumbaugh. “Luckily, no one was seriously injured, but I think we would have done much better if it wasn’t for this misfortune.

“I know we will in the future.”