CHEER

The HU cheer team made history on Saturday by competing for the first time in program history at CCA Christian Cheer Nationals in Fayetteville, N.C. where they finished second in the All-Girl Limited Division.

The Foresters competed against two strong cheer programs in Ferrum College (NCAA D3) and Averett University (NCAA D3). Their first performance went smoothly hitting zero deductions and getting a score of 81.1 out of 100.

Coach Shawnna Esque was thrilled with her team’s performance. “The girls came out with a lot of energy and looked like they had been doing this for years!”

While the second performance saw HU receive a score of 80.3 due to a pyramid fall deduction, they scored higher in the tumbling category and overall spirit because of their energy and team members spicing things up.

“These girls have fought hard this season,” said Esque. “With this being the first time most have even been on a spring floor; I am so proud of them. All of their hard work and dedication has paid off.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have taken these ladies down to this competition. I thank God for blessing us with safety during the competition and travel. We are looking forward to what God has planned for this team as we start competing more in the 2023-2024 season!”