Altas eye 3rd NCAA cheerleading crown

The 87th NCAA cheerleading competition unfolds today with host University of Perpetual Help Dalta System seeking a third straight title against a field out to foil bid at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Altas Perps Squad have dominated the last two editions of this annual event including last season when they garnered 300 points to edge the Mapua Cheerping Cardinals and the Jose Rizal Pep Squad, who ended up with 290.5 and 289.5, respectively.

Still, Perpetual Help is more than ready to take on the challenge.

“We expect to face a tougher opposition this year because everyone wants to beat us,” said Perpetual coach, trainer and choreographer Jeff Habana. “But I’m confident of my team, we’ve trained hard for this and we will give it our best shot.”

The Las Piñas-based cheerleaders and many-time national champions have set the standard in the league since the event was first introduced eight years ago, winning it five times.

If Perpetual ends up winning again this season, it will match its three-peat feat from 2005 to 2007.

The only other titles Perpetual failed to win came in the inaugurals in 2004 when the Cheerping Cardinals lorded it over the field and in 2008 when the Jose Rizal Pep Squad reigned.

On both occasions, Perpetual didn’t figure in the top three, finishing fourth in 2004 and ending up a disappointing fifth in 2008.

“We’ve really prepared a lot for this event and we’re optimistic of our chances,” said Habana.

“We wish the team luck and we will be there to support them,” said league president Anthony Tamayo of season host Perpetual.