Cheerleading elevated from spirit squad status to Competitive Cheer

MEQUON, Wis. -- Concordia University Wisconsin's Cheerleading team is being elevated to Competitive Cheer status, Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill announced. Acrobatics & Tumbling head coach Cristina Ribble will take over the program.

The Falcons Competitive Cheer team will provide game day spirit support and fan engagement activities at both home and limited away contests, while practicing and preparing for regional and national cheerleading competitions.

"I am excited about our transition into competitive cheerleading, as we look to  move beyond the current scope and focus of our cheer program," Barnhill said. "Competitive Cheer will enhance the depth of our roster and talent level of student-athletes, as we look to become a destination place for young women that want to support their school's athletic programs while competing at the highest level."

"I am looking forward to the addition of competition to the existing cheerleading program," Ribble said. "Adding the competition aspect will result in positive growth for the program. I am blessed to have the chance to take over and work with more student-athletes at CUW." 

Tryout for the Competitive Cheer team will be held on June 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Cristina Ribble at cristina.ribble@cuw.edu.

"The timing is right for this change, as we are blessed to have landed Christina Ribble to lead both our Acrobatics & Tumbling and Competitive Cheer programs," Barnhill said. "Christina has the knowledge and experience that we were looking for in order to go in this direction and the stars have aligned allowing for the transition at this time."