CCP Bobcats keep national cheering title

MANILA, Philippines—Hardly bothered by the tough field, Central Colleges of the Philippines reaffirmed its billing as the country’s leading cheering squad by winning the 2012 National Cheerleading Championship national finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Bobcats, reigning National Capital Region titlists, thrilled a big Sunday crowd with their tumblings, tosses and stunts to frustrate UAAP powerhouse Far Eastern University and last year’s runner-up University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta which finished second and third, respectively.

The Bobcats, mentored by Arnold Villanueva, finished with 322.5 points, besting FEU with 310 and UPHS-D with 296.

Though they excelled in basic elements and pyramids, the Tamaraws were penalized 13 points, while the Bobcats had a more smooth show with four deductions.

In the high school co-ed division, Parañaque National High School kept its crown with 284.5 points. Unmatched in stunts, pyramids and tumblings, PNHS beat Immaculate Conception Academy-Dasmariñas (262.5) with St. Joseph Academy third.

University of the Philippines-Los Baños surprised UP-Diliman by winning first place in the Dance Finals (HipHop). St. Paul-Pasig ruled the high school side.

In the college all-girl cheer event, St. Benilde edged La Salle, 245.5-239 to win the title.

Saint Pedro Poveda-II won the all-girl group stunts.