Animo Squad breaches into NCC-NCR finals

The DLSU Animo Squad proved that their 2nd finish during the Samsung-UAAP Cheerdance Competition was no fluke as they captured the 4th place in the collegiate co-ed division, last Feb. 4 and 5 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Even though most of the squad were first-timers, the Green-and-White squad secured a berth in the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC) National Capital Region (NCR) Finals on March 18.

Being the sixth to perform out of the 11 squads, the Animo Squad showcased new stunts. The squad, however, is on a rebuilding stage as half of the seasoned members of the Animo Squad already graduated.

Despite the roster overhaul, team captain Harriette Mauricio was proud of the squad’s performance.

“I’m proud of my team. They (rookies) did a very good job even though all of our lifters are rookies. Although we had problems with our pyramid squad, we still made a pretty good show.”

Baptism of fire for the rookies

Team co-captain Paolo Ian Lucero was all praises for his squad as they conquered the anxiety in their 1st NCC stint.

“Our main goal in the tournament was to get included in the eight teams. Babawi kami sa (we will make a comeback) Finals,” he mentioned.

Most of the 20 men in the squad, if not all, were fielded on deck after months of training and practice.

Espie Alano (II, MGT), dubbed the competition as one of the unforgettable moments in her college life. “It was super fun and the feeling when I was on stage, cheering for my Alma Mater, was indescribable.”

After the announcement of the teams which qualified to the finals, Animo Squad Head Coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario shared that the event was a blessing in disguise.

“We deserve the 4th spot because of our falls and the failed pyramid stunt, I expected the point deductions given to the team. Even though we did not place in any of the top three positions, we still managed to rank higher than the good squads in this competition.”

CCP crowned as champions

The Central Colleges of the Philippines Bobcats, coached by RP cheerleading head coach Arnold Villanueva, reigned in the competition, with their stunning acrobatic moves.

The other universities that will compete in the finals are 1st runner-up Far Eastern University, 2nd runner-up Ateneo de Manila University, Rizal Technological University, City University of Pasay, Lyceum of the Philippines, and University  of Manila.

The other competing schools were Systems Techonology Institite – Taguig City, Philippine Normal University and Taguig City University.

More photos at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150548964534760.389967.149678604759&type=3