Cheer Hits New Highs with Record Score at Madonna

LIVONIA, Mich. – The Huntington cheer team turned in its strongest performance of the season over the weekend at the Crusader Classic hosted by Madonna University.

The Foresters posted a season-best score of 69.7 to finish fifth out of eight teams, surpassing their previous program high set earlier this year. From the opening count, Huntington delivered high energy and sharp focus, attacking each section of the routine with confidence.

Stunts and pyramids hit new heights as the Foresters added difficulty to their pyramid sequence to maximize scoring potential. The routine also featured a new partner skill performed by Solomon Barnum and Kami Frank, showcasing the team's continued growth and creativity.

Across the mat, improvements in execution, timing and overall performance quality were evident - a testament to the team's steady upward trend each time they compete.

Head coach Shawnna Esque praised her squad's resilience. "This competition was different for us. The setup made us fight harder for our skills. This team really brought the energy and I am so proud of their fight this season. With only three returners on the mat, our rookies have helped push this program to new levels."

With momentum building, the Foresters now shift their focus back to the sidelines Wednesday night in support of Huntington basketball before heading to the University of Saint Francis for the Crossroads League Cheer Tournament on March 6-7 to close out their season.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
Madonna – 87.52
Lourdes – 85.73
Siena Heights – 83.07
Bethel – 80.02
Huntington – 69.70
Cornerstone – 69.62
Aquinas – 67.83
Rochester Christian – 64.77

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 181 NAIA All-America honors and 631 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Huntington has a top quartile ranking in the 2026 U.S. News Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings.