On Tuesday, January 14, Rutgers University hosted a send-off party for their Cheer and Dance teams at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Rutgers spirit squads will be competing this weekend in Orlando, Florida at the 2025 UCA and UDA National competition. The teams were scheduled to fly out on Wednesday morning as competition gets underway on Friday, January 17.
The send-off party included a showcase of various routines performed by both teams in front of their friends and family. Head coach and Rutgers Spirit Program director Christine Zoffinger said the students were, “really excited for Nationals” and have worked very hard this year to prepare for the National Competition. The theme of hard work was echoed throughout the night as seniors Tyler Martin and Robert Kuderka told us that the cheer team has been working on the routine, “for the last 3-4 months” and they have been, “working twice a day every single day tirelessly trying to make the routine as perfect as possible.”
The cheer routine is filled with elite tumbling tricks, high powered music, difficult stunts, mile high basket tosses, a multi-level pyramid and a whole lot of spirit! Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knight dancers impressed everyone with their Pom and Jazz routines showing the crowd a stunning series of Fouetté turns set to one of Lady Gaga’s biggest hits “Shallow” from the movie A Star Is Born.
ONNJ Sports is wishing the entire Rutgers Spirit program the best of luck in Orlando!
