Cheers for the Chiefs; tears for the Perps

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano University came through with an impeccable performance to nip five-time champion Perpetual Help by the slimmest of margins, 405.5-404.5, and nail its first-ever crown in the NCAA Cheerleading Championship before a big crowd at the MOA Arena yesterday.

Performing ahead of the nine-team field, the Chief Squad set the standard with their tough routines, acrobatic stunts and breathtaking multiple tosses which earned the nod of the seven local and foreign judges.

“It’s either you succumb to pressure or thrive on it,” said Arellano U coach and trainer Lucky San Juan in Filipino. “I just told my team not to give in to pressure and just do their best and set the standard for other teams to have a tough time to match.”

“I’m happy we did it,” he added.

It was a sweet victory for Arellano U, which finally emerged from the shadows of powerhouse Perpetual Help with a performance to remember. The Chief Squad settled for second to the Altas Perps the last two years.

After Arellano was announced the winner, members of the team, along with school officials Francisco, Val and Peter Cayco, and fans and supporters stormed onto the center court to celebrate the victory.

Like the Chief Squad, the Perps performed tougher routines and stunts but committed too many mistakes that told heavily on their bid to annex a sixth straight championship and ninth overall in 11 stagings of the event.

Arellano’s win also came on the heels of the Chiefs’ breakthrough victory in women’s volleyball and chess and a runner-up effort in seniors basketball.

“It’s a proud accomplishment by the school,” said Arellano president Francisco Cayco.

The victory was worth P100,000 for Arellano while Perpetual Help settled for P75,000. College of St. Benilde also emerged the surprised third placer with 359.5 points and received P50,000.

Jose Rizal University, the 2009 champion, wound up fourth with 353 points.