Nationally Ranked Ragin’ Jazz and Ragin’ Cajun Cheerleaders 2009

 Story provided by Chelsea D. Meuleman cdm5111@louisiana.edu 

Published in the Vermilion Feb. 4, 2009

 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s spirit squads recently traveled to Orlando, FL on the weekend of Jan. 15 to compete at UDA/UCA Nationals against hundreds of collegiate teams from all over the country. 

 

UL Lafayette’s Ragin’ Jazz dance team were nationally ranked 10^th in the Division 1A Hip Hop and 12^th in the Division 1A Jazz in the final round of competition. 

 

“The dance team did great.  We were all proud, and everyone was real excited,” said the coach of the team and advisor of both spirit squads, Michelle Bernard.

 

The Ragin’ Cajun Cheerleaders performed in the small Coed division 1 category at UDA/UCA Nationals for the first time since 2003.  There were hundreds of cheer squads from all over the United States, and UL Lafayette’s squad almost made it to the top ten teams nation-wide in their category.

 

“Our cheerleaders did a great job at Nationals.  We had four guys and 12 girls on the squad, some of which came back from recent years to compete,” said Bernard.

 

UDA/UCA stands for Universal Dance Association, and Universal Cheerleaders Association.  These associations organize a national competition every year in Disney World in the month of January. 

 

“This was my first time going to Nationals, so it was kind of overwhelming.  However, with the support of my teammates it made the trip a fun learning experience,” said Ragin’ Jazz dancer Emily Nix.

 

Practices for UL Lafayette’s dance team and cheer squad were intense.  During the winter break, they practiced five days a week for three hours per day. 

 

“All of hard work and long practices really paid off!  After our performance, we knew that we had done our best,” exclaimed Nix.

 

Tryouts for next year are going to be held in April of 2009.  The Ragin’ Cajun cheer tryouts will be on April 3^rd and 4^th, and the Ragin’ Jazz dance tryouts will be April 24^th and 25^th.  For more information about tryouts, visit the website www.studentunion.louisiana.edu.

Athletic Network Footnote:  Profiles of the current cheerleaders and members of the Ragin’ Jazz may be viewed at www.athleticnetwork  and pictures of the teams may be located in their respective photo galleries and  in the Tailgating photo gallery.  Just click photo gallery, then select from the menu.  Thank you.