Nov. 9, 2010
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By Carlyn Topkin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The football team isn't the only UCF sport getting national recognition this week. The UCF cheerleaders, as well as Knightro, have ranked high enough to qualify for a top spot in the 2011 College Cheerleading and Dance National Championship which is held annually at ESPN's Wide World of Sports. Both cheer and Knightro will have a bye directly into the national finals which will take place the weekend of Jan. 14-16.
The cheer squad received a paid bid after ranking third this year in the Division IA Southern Region, behind the University of Alabama and the University of Kentucky. Knightro is ranked fifth in the mascot competition and will also get the opportunity to compete. "We are very excited about our results for our entries into the national championships, particularly for Knightro who is back in the top rankings," coach Linda Gooch said.
With their third-place showing in the Division IA cheer finals last year, the Knights' cheerleaders have finished in the top 10 at nationals 15 times in the last 17 years. That includes national titles in both 2003 and 2007. Meanwhile, UCF has finished in the top three in each of the last four seasons, placing first in 2007 and third in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures, and become a follower of the Knights at Twitter.com.