Nov. 7, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF cheerleading team will look to defend its 2007 UCA National Championship title at the 2008 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, while Knightro will compete against the top-nine mascots in the country at the 2008 Mascot National Championship, both held at the Walt Disney World Resort Jan. 18-20, Varsity.com announced Wednesday.
The cheerleading squad received a second-place ranking in the South Division, its highest ranking to date. Previously, the Knights highest ranking was fourth. The cheerleaders earned one of four paid at-large bids into the finals and received the highest at-large score.
The South Division is one of the toughest in the country with 2007 National Champions UCF and 2006 National Champions Kentucky highlighting the bunch. Alabama, Memphis and Louisiana State are the three other schools to receive paid at-large bids to the competition and all are members of the division. Overall, Kentucky ranks atop the South Division.
The UCF cheerleaders won the national championship in 2007 and 2003 and were the runner-up in 2002. The team has finished in the top 10 at the national competition 12 of the last 14 years.
The three other universities to receive automatic bids are Minnesota, Ohio State and Hawaii. An additional 18 schools received invitations, but must pass through the semifinal round.
Of nine mascots invited to the National Championship, Knightro qualified by placing ninth in the preseason poll, behind Tennessee, Auburn, Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, Minnesota, Delaware, Syracuse, Colorado and Iowa.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics.
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