Pride cheerleading takes step forward at William Penn Classic

OSKALOOSA, Iowa - For the first time in the history of Clarke University cheerleading, a Pride team took part in a collegiate competition as CU's cheer team finished in third place at the William Penn Classic on Sunday afternoon.

The Pride finished with a final team score of 39.12 in the four-team competition, finishing above Graceland in fourth place but behind the hosts William Penn in second and the event winner Grand View, who scored 84.09 points.

Clarke's first ever competition cheer team consisted of juniors Emily Trinkle, Jaden Voshell, Melanie Lutgen, Grayson Eggers, and Alexis Riechers, sophomores Klair Simmons, Baylee Butler, and Lindsey Reuter, and freshmen Lily Welu and Alexa Huffman.

This was the first of two competitions the Pride will take part in this season as they will also perform at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships in Baldwin City, Kan. on March 9.