ANDREA WALTERS | staff writer
Azusa Pacific’s competitive cheer squad took first place at Best of the West on Sunday, March 22.
Last year, the competitive cheer squad ranked sixth at National Cheer Association (NCA) Nationals, earned first place West Coast Champions at United Cheer Association (UCA) and placed third at USA Nationals.
This year, the Cougars have had a recent streak of first place finishes.
Head coach Colleen Kausrud is in her fourth year as Azusa Pacific’s cheerleading coach.
Kausrud has an extensive background in the sport of competitive cheer and fitness training, and has been the West Coast representative for the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) for the past four years, coaching and instructing at numerous camps and clinics.
Kausrud attributes the squad’s success to the team’s mental toughness.
“I think the team is very focused and very intent on winning. They have a drive that I have never coached before,” Kausrud said.
Since Kausrud has been head coach, the team has qualified for finals every year.
Throughout Cougar history, the squad has placed in the top 10, never earning less than sixth place.
“We expect to make finals. I’m hoping to place in the top three,” Kausrud said.
The Cougars will attend another competition this weekend, March 29 and March 30 at USA Nationals in Anaheim, and have NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida next month.
