2018 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship

Shelton State Works To Defend Their Title In 2018

The powerhouse team from Shelton State Community College is headed to Orlando, Florida, to defend their title at the 2018 UCA College National Championship.

Jan 11, 2018 by Varsity TV

Shelton State Works To Defend Their Title In 2018

UPDATE January 13th, 2018:
Shelton State defends their title and earns their 11th UCA Championship title!

[WATCH] Shelton State's 2018 Performance:

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The powerhouse team from Shelton State Community College is headed to Orlando, Florida, to defend their title at the 2018 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship. A win for the Bucs in 2018 would mark their 11th national championship title.

This past season, Brittany Crook took over as the new head coach of the Bucs. Crook is a Shelton State cheer alum and knows exactly what takes to get a win out on the blue mat.

“It is still, as I am writing this, such a surreal experience to be able to lead such an incredible group of young athletes through all of the ups and downs of the season,” Crook said.

"I still remember being in their position as an athlete — the physical and mental demand of college cheerleading is nothing like anything you’ve been through."

Being a two-year school, the squad tends to be filled with many young student-athletes. This season, only five of the 16 members previously have competed at college nationals. To continue their success, every athlete must be fully dedicated and give their whole heart to every part of their team and the routine.

During their final days at home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Shelton State participated in and hosted performances to get prepared for the mental challenge of being in front of a crowd and the ever-changing environment. They will practice again upon arrival in Disney to lock in their focus on the goal ahead.

What a surprise for our program today! Ten years of excellence displayed in our gym!!! pic.twitter.com/h4mNXTcmMp
— Shelton State Cheer (@SSCC_Cheer) February 10, 2017

Crook said the Bucs feel most confident when performing their pyramid sections. Be ready to be amazed as the squad executes an elite handstand A-frame and full over to 1-1-1.

Their routine opens with standing tumbling including a variety of standing fulls and two back handsprings to a full before moving immediately into back-to-back stunt sections.

Feel free to cheer along when the squad starts their traditional spelling out of “B-U-C-S Let’s Go Bucs!” Shelton has always carried a traditional style cheer that fully engages the crowd, and they pride themselves on their strong solid pyramids that generate energy.

2017 National Champions!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NAuw9YNibM
— Shelton State Cheer (@SSCC_Cheer) January 15, 2017

The well-known Alabama squad is ready to bring a packed routine to the mat this weekend. Tune in to Varsity TV on Saturday, January 13, at 3:48 PM ET to watch the Bucs compete defend their title LIVE in the HP Field House.