OLATHE, Kan. — The MNU cheerleading team will make its first-ever appearance at the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals this week. More than 5,000 cheerleaders and some 200 college teams will be traveling to Daytona, Fla., to compete.  MNU competes in the Large Coed NAIA Division. MNU earned an at-large bid during the HAAC competition and also a bronze bid at NCA summer camp to qualify.  MNU will perform at 3:23 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 in the prelims.  Finals are on Friday when MNU will compete between 3:30 and 6:15 p.m.
The team has been practicing its competition routine since December while attempting to  overcome great setbacks in the loss of team member Brandon Smith due to a fractured lower leg, Matt Crow to a fractured wrist, and Rachenda Rockwell to a concussion.  All three members continue to encourage the rest of the team in their preparations.
MNU competitors include: Emily Lawler, Rachenda Rockwell, Kirsten Warman, Erin Winter, Jessa Winters, Lani Haliey, Jeffi Holman, Cody Morrow, Hagen Rose, Joe Comacho, J.D. Wood, Ian Labbe, Matt Crow, Leon Robinette, assistant coach Kassie Jacobson and head coaches Jessica and Josh Magaha.

MNU Cheerleading

MidAmerica Nazarene University, founded in 1966, is a private, Christian, liberal arts university offering 40 undergraduate degree programs with three adult degree completion programs, as well as five professional graduate degrees in business, education, nursing, and counseling, and a post-graduate certificate in play therapy. Online offerings include classes in education, nursing and management. Study abroad as well as service-learning experiences are encouraged through MNU’s Go Global and ServiceCorps programs. The campus is located on 105 acres in Olathe, Kan., and operates a location in Liberty, Mo., for adult and graduate programs. More information may be found at www.mnu.edu.