RIVER FOREST, ILL. – In what's been described as their "comeback season" the Concordia University Chicago STUNT team made the return to the mats in an impressive fashion, going 5-3 overall, highlighted by a five game win streak to end the season.
"Getting the athlete's back into STUNT has been so rewarding," First year Head Coach
Cheetah Farrar noted. "The vets were hungry to get back to playing games and the rookies stepped up to make CUC contenders for Nationals. Making it through this season helped the team believe in themselves and prepare to make the next seasons even more successful."
Season Recap
The Cougars kicked off their season against the reigning three-time national champions Alma College. In their season opener, the Cougars would fall behind early in the game and ultimately fall 24-0.
Bouncing back right away, the Cougars faced the Hiram College Terriers that same day and once again fell behind early. After falling behind in the first quarter 2-0, the Cougars tied in their first routine of quarter two and pick up their first point of the game before falling behind 4-1 to close the half. The Cougars would secure the first point of quarter three and then equally match in their third tumbling sequence to pick up another point and end the quarter 6-3. The Cougars would pick up the second half of their points all in the fourth quarter after picking up three points, ultimately still falling short 15-6.
The Cougars would take a month long hiatus before their next set of games would take them to Michigan to take on Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) and The University of Olivet. In game one against CUAA the Cougars and Cardinals would battle closely, exchanging points for the first half before the Cougars would jump ahead and take the 3-2 lead going into halftime. In the third quarter, the Cougars would continue to keep the lead before the Cardinals evened things up at four apiece. With the fourth quarter consistent like the rest of the game, the two teams exchanged points before the Cardinals jumped ahead 11-10. The Cougars would secure the final point of the quarter and send the game into overtime. The Cardinals would secure the overtime point and down the Cougars 12-11.
Following the tough loss, the Cougars would bounce back and pick up their first win of the season over The University of Olivet after taking a first half lead of 4-0. The Comets would make their climb back after picking up the first point of the second half and inch closer to while the Cougars maintained the 5-2 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Cougars would capitalize on their tumbling sequence and close the game with the 8-6 lead.
Jumping into Mid America Central Conference play, the Cougars saw a four game series against Buena Vista University, resulting in a four game sweep. The Cougars would dominate the Beavers across all four games winning by final scores of 9-5, 9-8, 12-3, and 13-4. This four game sweep would give the Cougars a first place finish in the MACC for their first season in conference play.
"To finish 1
st in conference my debut coaching year was a dream," Farrar said. "Our goal was to score over 8 points a game, and not only did we do that, but we were able to win 5 games in a row! It was a great experience overall."
Graduating Seniors
The Cougar STUNT squad only loses one graduating senior in
Kiley Hanold (Appleton, Wis.). "My graduating senior Kiley is the epitome of an athlete and a leader," Coach Farrar noted. "She has helped to lead the team to their many successes this season. Her lead by example method is unmatched. She does her job to the fullest and expects the same of her teammates. They show their respect by matching their efforts to hers."
Impactful Returners
The Cougars will see a hearty amount of returners for next year led by seven seniors in
Meghan Cummings (Rockford, Ill.),
Paola Enciso (Newnan, Ga.),
Mary Jane Ingold (Pontiac, Ill.),
Jimena Jimenez (Cicero, Ill.),
Madison Kara (Las Vegas, Nev.),
Magalie Mandujano (Chicago, Ill.) and
Abby Porter (Phoenix, Ariz.).
Also returning for the Cougars will be a hand of sophomores in
Kayla Alvarez (Elmwood Park, Ill.),
Piper Brewer (Pontiac, Ill.),
Saryah Dixon (Mount Vernon, Ill.),
Wyzdom Gary (Berwyn, Ill.), and
Haylee Howard (Odell, Ill.).
"My returners consist mostly of 3rd and 1st year athletes," Farrar added. "The 3rd years are members of the inaugural STUNT team at CUC and take that role very seriously. They want to see this program grow and are consistently upgrading their skills and encouraging their teammates to do the same. My 1st years take pride in keeping the sport of STUNT in the forefront of athletics and are looking forward to leaving more of a mark in CUC history!"
"The upcoming season will be one to remember," Farrar said of the season to come "There are no doubts from the team that there are capable of having a successful season and now that most of them are seasoned, they will be able to help the incoming athletes to be successful as well."
Highlights
Offseason coverage and content can be found at cucougars.com or on Instagram @CUCSTUNT or X @CUCDanceCheer.
