Lander University's Cheerleaders and Dance Team enjoyed a successful record in competitive events this spring. Both groups were entered in the Peach Belt Conference Spirit Competition, held in conjunction with the Peach Belt Conference Basketball Tournament at Columbus State University in Georgia on March 3 and, two weeks later, they competed in the Cheer Ltd. CANAM Nationals at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Lander's Dance Team won the Peach Belt Conference event, outscoring all competitors including the University of South Carolina-Aiken, which had held the title the previous four years.
The Lander Cheer Team was the second place runner-up overall and finished first as an All Girl Team for the fourth time since 2007. Kim Schoolfield, Lander's spirit coordinator, said, "This was our highest scoring year to date, but it's very difficult to outscore a coed team. This was the best routine we've ever taken to Peach Belt, and we hit nearly every skill we attempted."
On March 16 in Myrtle Beach, Lander's Dance Team danced its way to its third straight national title after outscoring the five other teams entered in the competition. The Lander Cheerleaders were awarded the prize as third runner up.
Schoolfield said, "Each year we are told by spectators that we were the most fun to watch, but this year the judges finally agreed." She added that the dancers incorporated jazz, pom, and hip-hop into its high energy routine, and added more technical skills as well. "By focusing on being entertainers and not simply dancers, we were able to impress the judges and take top honors."