The CSU Stanislaus Warrior cheer team placed fourth overall at the USA Collegiate Nationals in Anaheim this past weekend
This is the first year the squad has competed in Nationals and it has the potential to be a new tradition.
“It is definitely something that we want to set our foundation on,”  Michael DeGuzman, Head Coach of the cheer team, said. “This is a competition squad and we love to compete.”
The tournament hosted teams from schools all over the nation.  The competition was set so four year schools competed against each other and two year schools did the same. This allowed for big name Division I schools, such as Arizona State University, San Jose State University and Boise State University to all potentially compete against our Warrior cheer team.
“It’s unique because the name of the school doesn’t dictate what level of competition you will bring,” DeGuzman said. “It is the program that you develop and the people who are in it that make you what you are.”
The cheer team had also qualified for Nationals on the East Coast earlier in the year but focused on the competition in Anaheim.
The squad has 22 cheerleaders on the roster, five of them being seniors.
“It is a grueling program and something amazing to be a part of,” Corina Basso (senior, Kinesiology) said. “Going to Nationals was an amazing opportunity… The moment we stepped on the mat, it was the feeling of ‘wow, we really made it’ and that feeling is something I will remember forever.”
Interest amongst the students is what keeps this squad going.  Coach DeGuzman encourages students interested to try-out for next year’s cheer team.
“There are so many cheerleaders in this area that now go to Stanislaus,” DeGuzman said. “Maybe some of them have a competition background, or even if it’s not what they’re used to, they have this opportunity to come try out and compete.”
The tryout clinic is set for April 17, and the actual tryout itself will be held Saturday, April 18. For more information, visit warriorathletics.com.