Huntington Native Helps University Win Nat. Cheerleading Title

HUNTINGTON, NY — A Huntington resident and graduate of St. Anthony’s High School helped Sacred Heart University win its first-ever national cheerleading championship.

Lauren Kuhlmeier helped her squad win the Universal Cheerleaders Association title in the All-Girl Division I category at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL, a spokeswoman for the university told Patch on Friday.

"We are so proud to have earned this championship title," SHU head coach CJ Sereno said in a statement. "It is remarkable what our team has been able to accomplish this year. We truly have a special group of athletes. Their positive attitude, dedication, commitment and love for this program made the work all worth it. We never thought this was attainable. We're dreaming with our eyes wide open."

Sacred Heart posted the top score in the finals, recording 90.3 out of 100 possible points. They were among eight teams that qualified for the finals. The division featured 15 teams, including Morehead State and the University of West Georgia, two teams that have dominated the competition for years. This year, it was Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, CT, that hit the cleanest routine in the division and came out on top.

The university fields two Division I cheerleading squads and a club cheerleading team.