Perpetual Perps NCAA ‘cheer’ 4-peat champs

A routine littered with more risks brought the best out of Perpetual Help’s Perp’s squad. Almost flawless in their execution despite an even more difficult routine, the Perps claimed a fourth straight title in the 88th NCAA cheerleading competition Saturday at  Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Arellano settled for second place—an improvement from last year where the Chiefs finished fourth, while Emilio Aguinaldo College took third place—up from eighth in Season 87.

“There’s always a lot of pressure on us to do well in the competition,” said Perps coach Ruf Rosario as the Las Piñas-based school collected a seventh title in the last nine years. “But we always try to set the bar higher every year.”

In the shadows of more famous varsity teams most of the season, particularly the volleyball teams and the men’s basketball squad, the Perps seized their moment yesterday.

“We worked so hard for this (win),” said Rosario. “Throughout the season, we were always there supporting our teams. There were times when we were tired and spent after cheering in games, but we had to train and work on our routines.”

It was a sensational start to what is expected to be the longest weekend for the Perps, who will also compete in the National Cheerleading Championship today at the Ultra. “We had to save some of our stunts for the competitions tomorrow (today),” Rosario said.

While the other cheer teams committed glaring mistakes during their performances, the Perps produced a strong routine to remember.

With their “Queen” themed music blaring, the 30-strong Perps squad showcased synchronized movements and executed difficult stunts with aplomb in a stirring five-minute show that left the crowd of close to 10,000 in awe.