March 2023
The Indiana Wesleyan competitive cheer team recently wrapped up their season at Eastern Michigan University for the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship.
The Wildcats finished with a score of 82.71, good for 11th place in the competition. Super-senior and Crossroads League First Team All-Conference selection Aeden Ligon was focused on more than just the result, though.
“We wish that we could’ve perfected our routine,” Ligon said, “but a lot of people met God.”
Ligon said that the team had a great devotional time during the second day, and he appreciates that more than a win.
“That national championship does mean a lot, but it’s only going to last for this year, and then next year, the new winner comes up,” Ligon said. “But relationship with God, finding out who your Savior is right then and there can last for a lifetime.”
While the finish to the season may not have been what the team was hoping for, it didn’t take away from the rest of their successes this season, such as winning the Crossroads League Conference Championship.
“(At the conference championship), we got our season-high score at that meet, and it was so fun. You could just feel the energy. I feel like everyone was on fire that day,” freshman transfer Elli Vander Veen said.
Vander Veen, who was named to the NAIA All-American Second Team, transferred to IWU between semesters from Davenport University in Michigan. According to Vander Veen, there was a healthier and more positive team environment at IWU.
Ligon echoed the same sentiment.
“It was definitely a great season that we all just grew really close together,” Ligon said.
The Wildcats look to next year with hope as their young talent continues to develop and grow in their experience on the mat.