Snow Spirit Squad wins 3 national titles

ANAHEIM, Calif—Snow College has taken the national championship among two-year schools in cheerleading and precision dance.

            The college’s Spirit Squad captured three national titles at the United Spirit Association College Nationals last month, earning top honors in both the cheer and dance categories.

            The dance team, the Badgerettes, claimed championships in the two-year college jazz and hip-hop divisions, while the cheer and stunt team defended its title in the two-year junior college small coed advanced division.

            “This year’s nationals have been the highlight of our program because the work was worth it,” Cheer Coach Shawn Gubeli said. “I am deeply proud and honored to call myself the head coach of the Snow College cheer program. I can’t wait to continue growing this organization and pushing it to the level I’ve always known it can achieve.”

            The Badgerettes, led by head coach Bekah Ackerman and coach Briana Dommer, finished ahead of Allan Hancock College of Santa Maria, Calif., and the College of Southern Idaho of Twin Falls in jazz, and outscored Connors State College in Warner, Okla. and Allan Hancock College in hip-hop. The Badgerettes’ hip-hop score also tied for the third-highest mark among all colleges, including NCAA Division I programs.

            “The Badgerettes pushed themselves beyond what they knew they were capable of,” Ackerman said. “They brought their very best, day after day, and their powerful performance resulted from tireless dedication and hard work.”

            Snow College’s Cheer and Stunt team also shone in its 3-minute show routine, advancing from the preliminary round to defeat Mount San Antonio College, Walnut Creek, Calif.; Long Beach Community College; and Fresno City College in the finals.

            Badgerette dancers from Sanpete County included Sophie Christensen of Manti; Ava Lamb of Wales; and Jordan Hilton of Moroni.

            Both the Cheer and Stunt team and the Badgerettes perform at Snow College home football and basketball games throughout the season.