It’s a big weekend for the RedHawks from Miami University as they make the trip from Ohio to Orlando to compete at the 2019 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship for the first time in over 25 years.

“Our program has come a long way in the past 3 years,” explained Head Coach Jerel Stewart. “We have finally found our identity and built a strong foundation. We have a lot of athletes that are passionate about our sport and we have the full backing of our athletics department, which is a major reason for our recent successes. We didn’t want to go unless we knew we had a good product to put out on the floor and a strong bond within our team.”

“All the pieces came together, and we decided that our time was now, and we couldn’t be more honored to represent Miami at Nationals for the first time in over 25 years.”

This weekend, Miami will be competing in Cheer Division 1A and the Division 1A Game Day Competition.

The RedHawks have buckled down in the practice room to prepare two routines in the hopes of having a great first experience at the championship. “Practices themselves run longer during this time, but we spend a lot of time perfecting technique and really focusing on the small details,” explained Stewart.

Those extra practices and small details have really become noticeable in the team's choreography. Miami's pyramids are dynamic and help showcase the team's strengths.

“We designed our routine to be fluid,” explained Stewart. “We wanted each section to flow into the next. We love our middle pyramids before our cheer. This section is one of the more difficult sections in our routine but definitely one of the most dynamic. Our ending pyramid section is also a highlight. Every build flows into the next, giving a clean and powerful end to the routine.”

Our 2019 Nationals Showcase is tomorrow at 6pm in Millett Hall! Come out and watch us perform both of our routines before we head down to Florida for the first time in over 20 YEARS! #loveandhonor! #miamiucheer #ucacollegenationals #RiseUpRedHawks #GraduatingChampions pic.twitter.com/EHBQH8cwSq

— Miami Cheer (@Miami_Cheer) January 11, 2019

In Miami’s Game Day routine, their cheer is full of authentic RedHawk spirit.

“We are going for simple, yet entertaining in our Game Day format,” explained Stewart. “Our cheer is very easy to interpret which in turn gives the audience clear instructions to yell with us while using basic visual cues. We hope to not only entertain but engage the audience as well. The main goal is to never forget what the purpose of our presence is in a game day setting.”

“We want to hit a great routine but also engage the crowd just like we would at a home game. We have packed our routine with skills that challenge us with the expectation that execution is key!”

Thanks to @Miami_Cheer for their passion and leadership inspiring us @MiamiUniversity to cheer on the #RiseUpRedHawks. Passion, enthusiasm, #LoveandHonor, excellence on the field and in the classroom. pic.twitter.com/O3AP7Sd3ad

— Greg Crawford (@PresGreg) September 30, 2018

Planning to watch the RedHawks in Orlando? Join the crowd! Miami University Alumni are making the trip down to the Sunshine State to show their support and to cheer on the cheerleaders.

“These alumni have helped build the traditions that make up Miami Cheerleading throughout the years, and we are grateful to be able to build upon those traditions and showcase them to the nation. It’s truly an honor.”

Tune in this Friday, January 18th to cheer on the RedHawks as they compete LIVE in Div. lA Game Day at 3:31 PM ET!

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