News Summary
The Lander University acrobatics and tumbling team achieved a stunning victory against Newberry College with a score of 252.405 to 102.525. This win improved their season record to 4-1, showcasing impressive performances in compulsory and acro events. The evening also highlighted promising futures for athletes Kaleigh Cato and Rhema Taylor, who signed national letters of intent to elevate their respective sports careers. The event at Finis Horne Arena was a celebration of athletic excellence and a bright future for the Bearcats.
Scores Soar as Lander’s Acrobatics & Tumbling Team Beats Newberry College
In a thrilling match held at the Finis Horne Arena on a lively Wednesday night, the Lander University acrobatics and tumbling team showcased their athletic prowess with a commanding victory over Newberry College. The Bearcats overwhelmed their opponents with an impressive score of 252.405 to 102.525, improving their season record to an enviable 4-1.
Compulsory Performance Sets the Tone
The excitement began right from the start of the match, where Lander took the lead early on. By halftime, the team had surged ahead with a score of 93.20 to 59.85, thanks to a near-perfect compulsory performance. In this event, Lander excelled, capturing 37.40 points out of a possible 40. This remarkable feat included standout scores of 9.85 in the toss heat and an equally impressive 9.80 in the pyramid heat. The crowd was buzzing with energy, as the team laid the groundwork for an unforgettable evening.
Rock Solid Acro Event Performance
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Lander continued to dazzle the audience in the acro event, securing 27.55 points out of 29.95. This performance maintained their momentum and showcased the hard work and dedication members of the team put into their training. The evening was more than just a win; it was a celebration of teamwork and skill in a sport that continues to grow in popularity since its inception at the collegiate level in 2009.
A Bright Future Ahead
Amid the cheers and applause, the evening also marked a significant milestone for one of Lander’s future athletes. Kaleigh Cato, a talented student from Forest, signed her national letter of intent to join the Bearcats. Having been drawn to acrobatics and tumbling less than a year ago, Kaleigh has shown remarkable progress, leveraging her background in gymnastics to excel in this dynamic sport. This will make her the first collegiate athlete in her family and the first Forest student to compete in acrobatics and tumbling, paving the way for future athletes in her community.
In addition to her commitment to Lander’s acrobatics and tumbling team, Kaleigh is set to compete as a first-year varsity member of Forest’s competitive cheer team. Her journey in sports is just beginning, and with the support of her new teammates who she describes as family, Kaleigh is thrilled about the future that lies ahead.
Another Star on the Rise
In other exciting news, Rhema Taylor, a student from Vanguard, also made headlines by signing her national letter of intent to join Division I Troy University. Rhema has an impressive background in track and field, having consistently reached the State Track Meet each year. Just recently, she placed 47th in the state championship cross country meet, setting a personal best of 20:16.1. Her accolades don’t stop there; she has also secured second place in the 4×400 at the FHSAA track and field state meet, showcasing her versatility and talent in athletics.
During her recruitment journey, Rhema found the coaches at Troy University to be particularly friendly and engaging, which only added to the excitement of her future in sports. With plans to pursue a degree in social work, Rhema is not just focused on athletics but also committed to making a positive impact in the community around her.
Wrapping Up a Night of Athletic Excellence
The evening at Finis Horne Arena was truly one for the books, celebrating not just the triumph of Lander’s acrobatics and tumbling team, but also marking hopeful futures for both Kaleigh and Rhema as they embark on their athletic careers. As the sports world keeps an eye on these emerging talents, it’s clear that Lander University is nurturing champions on and off the mat.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lander University Wins Tri-Meet in Acrobatics & Tumbling
Additional Resources
- Ocala: Vanguard Students Sign Letters of Intent
- Wikipedia: Acrobatics and Tumbling
- Ocala: Rhema Taylor Signs with Troy University
- Google Search: Acrobatics and Tumbling History
- Ocala: Kaleigh Cato Signs with Lander University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
