DECATUR, Ala. – Xavier University of Louisiana won the 2026 SSAC Competitive Cheer Championship with a score of 97.95. 2026 individual award winners were also recognized, highlighted by Xavier’s Glenn Caston being named Coach of the Year and UT Southern’s Madison Busey earning Athlete of the Year honors.
Xavier previously won the SSAC Competitive Cheer Championship in 2021. Five different SSAC teams have won the title over the past six seasons. The previous high score for a champion was set last season by Florida Memorial (93.91).
Final Scores
1. Xavier – 97.95
2. Florida Memorial – 90.03
3. UT Southern – 89.99
4. Mobile – 89.62
5. Brewton-Parker Christian – 86.42
6. Life – 85.85
7. Loyola – 82.84
8. William Carey – 77.38
9. Milligan – 73.42
Prelims
- Xavier opened a big lead after prelims with a score of 97.80
- Florida Memorial (89.98), Mobile (89.17) and UT Southern (88.83) were tightly grouped after that
Up Next
Xavier earns an automatic bid to the 2026 NAIA Competitive Cheer Championship takes place March 27-28 in Topeka, Kan. Other SSAC teams will await word on possible at-large selections, with those being announced March 16.
Coach of the Year: Glenn Caston, Xavier
Athlete of the Year: Madison Busey, UT Southern
Tumbler of the Year: Caleb Merckson, Xavier
Base of the Year: Aeriella Pappas, UT Southern
Flyer of the Year: Luci Fortenberry, William Carey
Rookie of the Year: Nicholas Taylor, Xavier
Sportsmanship Award: Brewton-Parker Christian