Above: The SAU cheer and dance teams celebrate their second consecutive national championship. Photo courtesy of Jaime Crawford.

In a dazzling showcase of talent and dedication, the St. Ambrose University Fighting Bee Cheer and Dance Teams have clinched back-to-back national titles, solidifying their reputation as one of the nation’s premier collegiate dance and cheerleading programs.

Amidst fierce competition at the Nfinity NAIA Competitive Cheer Championships held at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the bees wowed judges and spectators alike with their precision, athleticism, and artistic flair, earning them the top honors for the second consecutive year.

“Not only am I excited about winning, but for me it’s leaving a legacy in a program,” exclaimed Will Smith, a senior from Springfield, Illinois. “it’s hard to win one national title, but to win two back-to-back is even harder. There were so many adversities we faced, from injuries to sickness, but our biggest challenge was ourselves. Pushing ourselves to the limit to make history. We are focused on going to Florida and facing some big schools and challenging them moving forward.”

Above: Senior Will Smith raises the national champion trophy above his head in victory. Photo courtesy of Jaime Crawford.

A key role in the success of the team comes from Taye Owten, a sophomore from Lake Park, Chicago, whose high flying helped the team score even higher. He expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “It means a lot to be the first cheer team to go back-to-back in the NAIA,

I’m proud of what both teams have accomplished. Every year it’s a whole new team so we must figure out how to make things work and what doesn’t. The focus for us moving forward is for one, to rest, but two is to win another ring, which is everyone’s goal. So, we must push hard to defend our title.”

Click here to watch the cheer and dance episode of Inside SAU Athletics!!

The team’s outstanding performance was a combination of months of rigorous training, commitment, and teamwork. Led by their coaches, who tirelessly pushed them to their limits, the dancers and cheerleaders dedicated countless hours perfecting their routines, ensuring every move was executed flawlessly.

Above: Sophomore Savannah Schumacher is lifted by senior Austyn Goodale in a partner stunt. Photo courtesy of Jaime Crawford.

For the dance team, they’ve won the National Title for the fourth time in the eight-year history of the event for competitive dance. The dance team achieved this honor by less than half a point.

“Winning my third national championship in four years is such a dream to me.” Shared dance captain, Rosie Manikham, a senior from Oak Creek, Wisconsin. “Coming onto this team I knew they were good, but I didn’t know how good. Winning as a senior meant the world to me. I wanted to leave my mark and be able to do what I knew we were capable of. These are my best friends inside and out of dance, and they are who I do everything with. Without everyone on this team I wouldn’t be who I am today. I thank you SAU dance for bringing me my best friends for life.”

With their eyes set on the future, the St. Ambrose University Dance and Cheer team are already gearing up for their next challenge, eager to continue their legacy of success and greatness on the national stages. As they celebrate one of their biggest feats in school history, they remain united in their love for dance, cheer, and the chase for greatness.

Will Spriggs is a staff writer for The Buzz.