Even sans UP, NU Pep coach sees upgrade in UAAP Cheerdance quality

University of the Philippines could’ve given National University a run for its money had it decided not to skip this year’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

Minus its toughest rival, the NU Pep Squad ran away with its fourth straight cheerdance crown, beating Far Eastern University by more than 50 points in the tally sheet.

But despite the absence of UP, NU coach Ghicka Bernabe thinks the competition remained tough.

READ: NU Pep Squad bags fourth straight UAAP Cheerdance gold

“UAAP is still UAAP. We still have seven schools which are willing to perform well, willing to fight fair,” said Bernabe.

“I’m just happy with the other six teams that upgraded. I really saw the evolution of each team.”

Adamson Pep Squad crashed the top 3 in UAAP Season 79 Cheerdance Competition.

For the first time in four years, the FEU Cheering Squad crashed the top three while Adamson landed in third, its best finish since its second-place finish in 2001.

Having the UP Pep Squad or not, team manager Jun Gaw sees no greater challenge to the NU Pep Squad than itself.

READ: NU Pep squad targets historic ‘six-peat’

“All universities have leveled up. And for us NU, we need to move forward and look ahead to what we need to do next year. This is the challenge we have to face.

“We are our own enemy. We set a high standard then others follow.”

NU Pep Squad with its futuristic theme. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Since Bernabe presided over the team in 2011, NU rose from laughing stock to champion and now to a seemingly interminable dynasty.

“In 2011, we didn’t really wish to win because we were just starting then. For us, we’re already satisfied with changing the perception of who NU is,” said Bernabe. “It was really a long and hard process.”