Here’s something to crow about: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Cheerleading is No. 8 in the nation.

The team finished in the top 10 at the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s National Championship in Orlando earlier this year. It competed among other NCAA Division 1A schools, including the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and the University of Alabama. Those teams finished first, second and third, respectively. Division 1A is the highest level of collegiate competition.

This year was the first time the Ragin’ Cajuns team progressed beyond the semifinal round at the UCA Nationals.

What made this year different?

Coach Courtney Begnaud said team members “had a fire in them that I’ve never seen before.”

The 16 cheerleaders who competed had perfected routines with smooth transitions and complex stunts during months of training, said Begnaud.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns cheerleaders perform at home and away football games, home men’s and women’s basketball games, home volleyball games, and many other University events.

This article first appeared in the Fall 2019 issue of La Louisiane, The Magazine of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Begnaud.