Winners bring new cheer to NMMU

Image credit: www.nmmu.ac.za

They are the members of the cheerleading team who lifted the first national varsity title in the activity, which is a combination of athleticism, gymnastics, tumbling and dancing.

The competition, which ran from February 3 to 9 at the University of the North West in Potchefstroom, coincided with the first varsity cricket series.

It saw seven cheerleading teams from universities across the country compete. And with perfect synchronisation, tight tumbling and diverse dance moves the 22-member NMMU Samsung Cheerleader squad came out tops with scores from judges ranging between 72 and 85.

These left their competition trailing behind by at least 15 points.

The team was coached by professionally trained dancer and choreographer Nicki Rayepen.

Rayepen, a senior student, says the stringent training routine for the event started in early January after fitness preparations had started in December.

Assisted by choreographer Greshen Ahrens, the team included students from various faculties and stages of study.

BA honours student and team member Allissa Matroos, 22, said it was tough but she kept her priorities straight, putting her studies first, and using dancing as a way to relax.

And it worked, because Matroos, from Gelvandale, found out during the tournament that she had passed.

NMMU media liaison officer Roslyn Baatjies said the university was proud.

"We encourage students to take part in all the activities on offer that will assist them in developing holistically and cheerleading is one of those."