For the eighth consecutive year, the Chapman University dance team are champions, winning their division in the 22nd Annual United Spirit Association Collegiate Cheerleading and Dance Championships held in the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, March 19 and 20, 2016.

Competing in the Open Dance 4-Year College — Division II/III, Chapman’s 18-member team of dance majors placed first against CSU Pueblo, Cal State San Marcos, Sonoma State University, UC Merced Dance, Westminster College Dance Team, Gustavus Adolphus College, Assumption College Dance Team, and Cal Lutheran University Dance.

Team Roster: 

Andrea Dobbins, senior
Rachael Hyer, senior
Mariah Spears, senior, co-captain
Jazmin Thomas, senior
Cole Thongnuam, senior, co-captain
Parker Blakely, junior
Ellie Espinosa, junior, vice president
Nicole Hagen, junior
Matthew Kubitz, junior, vice president
Jason Martin, junior
Michelle Harvey, sophomore
Cassi Mihalovich, sophomore
Kelly Nimens, sophomore
Elijah Richardson, sophomore
Drew Gliwa, freshman
Samantha Hurst, freshman
Lindsey Sandri, freshman
Lily Thongnuam, freshman

The team faculty advisor Alicia Guy reported that the team performed in preliminary rounds on Saturday, March 19 and final rounds took place on Sunday, March 20. “So many parents and friends flew in to watch and lend their support during the event,” said Guy. “It was truly a fantastic way to start our spring break!”

(Photo credit:  Alissa Roseborough)