GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Pompon is heading into its third year competing nationally at The College Classic National Championship this April. The team took 5th in their first year attending in 2022 and 4th in the nation last year, solidifying their highest-scoring routine to date. This year they take the team's largest roster in program history to Orlando Florida.

 

"The team has worked incredibly hard to get where they are this season," said head coach Erin Engeseth. "They have really taken every step to live in the moments leading up to nationals and are feeling prepared to hit that nationals stage. It is no small task to prepare for something like this as a team and it takes a ton of dedication, consistency and grit to get where they are. I am already very proud of them."

 

This year Pom will compete in the DII Pom division where they will compete against other DII teams in the nation and the Spirit Showdown category where they have the opportunity to compete against various division teams to showcase theirs and Davenport University traditions and a game day style routine.

 

"The Spirit Showdown is so fun to watch. Not only do we get an opportunity to showcase what makes our team so incredibly unique, but we also get to be ambassadors of our University and show the nation what DU is all about," Engeseth said. "We are all incredibly proud Panthers and this category gives us the opportunity to show that off. We also get to witness other programs pride and it's just an atmosphere of positivity and pride. There is nothing quite like it at other competitions. It is truly unique to The College Classic and we are so honored to be able to be a part of that."

 

The team has been training since September in their routines having their Pom piece choreographed by Head Coach Erin Engeseth and assistants Megan Guajardo, Cody Reed and Lily Placher, and their Spirit Showdown piece being created by Cora Hintz of Bre Choreography Management. Captain and Senior Sarah Root reflects on her season and excitement.

 

"I'm excited to experience my last year at nationals as a student-athlete," Root said. "This team has overcome a lot this season and I'm so proud of them all. National competitions are something everyone should get a chance to experience and I get to, with this team! The atmosphere at The College Classic with my team is one I'll remember forever." 

 

Those joining the team in Orlando or who wish to livestream the events may find information at thecollegeclassic.com.