Nov. 9, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University's cheer team has just completed the first phase of the 2007-08 UCA College Nationals with a ninth place video spot, five slots higher than its 2006-07 finish.

"We are excited about the team's improvement and achievement this year," said Heather Henderson, FAU's cheer coach. "We improved by five spots in the video portion and are focused on practicing for our live routine and the January competition."

The cheer team was one of 50 schools to make the video submission. Among those submitted, 18 were selected for the national competition in Orlando on January 18, 2008 at the Wide World of Sports. In preparation, the squad will use the men's and women's basketball games on January 12, 2008 as its final dress rehearsal.

The Owls ninth place finish was higher than the University of Miami, which finished 14th and the University of South Florida which placed 18th.

The team cheers at all FAU football games and all home men's and women's basketball games. They also make special appearances throughout the school year, all while attending a full-credit class schedule.