HPU Cheerleaders and Mascot Named National Champions!

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – The Hawai‘i Pacific University Co-ed Cheerleaders made Hawaii history today by capturing the national title at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Chick-fil-A Collegiate Championships for the third year in a row lead by new head cheerleading coach, Matt Parkey.

The HPU Small Co-ed Cheer Team (consisting of no more than four male members) debuted this year at the NCA tournament, earning its first national title. Also winning national titles, the HPU All-Girl Stunt Team and the HPU mascot, Sharkey the Sea Warrior. The All-Girl Cheerleading Team is the only all-girl college cheer team in Hawai‘i. The HPU Dance team, placing third in the nation.

Last year, the HPU Dance team placed first, making it the first time in history that a Hawaii dance team captured a national collegiate title at the NCA event. The All-Girl Team captured second place last year in its first time at the competition.

Coach Parkey joined HPU's cheer program in July 2004. He is a nine-time national championship cheerleader who has been cheering since his sophomore year in high school. Last year, Parkey was featured on the cover of Cheerleader & Danz magazine. He is experienced in gymnastics, cheerleading, and choreography.

The Chick-fil-A Cheer and Dance Collegiate Championship is the largest event of its kind in the world. With teams from across the United States, Mexico, Japan and Canada, it is the most widely viewed college cheer and dance event in the history of the collegiate spirit competitions.