From Risk to Reward: Mustangs Crowned National Champions in Historic NCA Debut

By Jesus Flores 

Just months ago, the Morningside University cheer team made a choice that many considered a gamble: leaving the comfort of the NAIA to compete on the biggest stage in cheerleading. This past weekend, that gamble gained them a national title. 

The Mustangs are officially the NCA National Champions for the Intermediate Small Coed NAIA division. 

The road to the title began on Friday, April 10th, during the preliminary round. In the world of competitive cheer, “hitting zero” means performing a routine with no deductions and is the gold standard. The Mustangs did exactly that, delivering a flawless performance that earned them a perfect score and the #1 spot heading to finals. 

The atmosphere in Daytona was electric, and the pressure was mounting. The target was on their backs after prelims, but it gave them the confidence to know that their training was enough. 

On April 11th, the Mustangs returned to the mat with the weight of the program’s legacy on their shoulders. While many teams were stumbling under the pressure of the final round, Morningside doubled down. 

For the second day in a row, the Mustangs hit zero. They earned a final score of 87.3704, another perfect execution mark that secured the championship. The score reflected the “refinement and accountability” that Head Coach Maci Ohm has emphasized all season. Every motion was sharp, every stunt was solid, and the transition to the NCA was officially validated. 

The victory is especially important for the seniors who led the transitions. What started as a “bittersweet” departure from their previous conference ended in a “bang” on the sands of Daytona Beach. 

By choosing to trade certainty for potential, the Mustangs have redefined what is possible for the Morningside competitive cheer team. They’ve officially put the program on the map and in the history books. 

As the team returns to Sioux City with a national trophy in hand, the message is clear: the risk was worth it. The Mustangs are no longer the newcomers in the NCA; they are the team to beat.