The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk cheer team earned a third-place finish in the crowd segment run-off at the National Cheer Association (NCA) College Game Day camp this past weekend at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma. The team also received a Superior Ribbon and a bronze bid to NCA nationals.
With 16 student-athletes in attendance, NPC performed game day stunts and crowed-leading routines, earning praise for its energy, tenacity and ability to connect with spectators.
“Our team worked hard the entire time we were there,” NPC head cheer coach Michelle Godwin said. “Although they finished the day bruised and sore, watching their drive and dedication was inspiring. I was in awe of their commitment to the sport and their commitment to see NPC succeed on a stage like this.”
NPC earned an evaluation score of 9.7 out of 10, with judges highlighting the team’s overall energy, use of floor space and creative incorporation of props.
Additionally, NPC received recognition from NCA State Director Stan Tabor for the team’s ingenuity in its budget-saving methods for prop creation.
“We’re a small, but mighty group,” Godwin said. “I was really pleased with our efforts at this camp and look forward to scheduling more camps for our program in the future.”
Nighthawk cheer is currently a club program with aspirations to join the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)’s co-ed cheer division. The team is currently seeking both male and female members. Interested students can contact Coach Godwin at Michelle.Godwin@np.edu.