DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Iowa Central Cheerleading team ended the 2021-22 season in the very same position as the previous one: as national champions.

The Tritons secured the a title at the recent NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, winning the coed junior college title. Iowa Central had a finals score of 95.6991, more than four points ahead of runner-up Tyler. 

"We were a veteran, experienced team that really had sights set on making history," Iowa Central head coach Amanda Murphy said. "This is the first time we have won back-to-back national championships. The kids bought into what we expected out of them and it was so rewarding to give them an incredible season."

The title marked the third national championship for the program since 2018. They have finished either first or second at nationals for six consecutive seasons of attending the meet. 

"Consistency within our program," Iowa Central assistant coach Mitch Murphy said. "I think that is the biggest thing we have. With the extra year of eligibility, we had a lot of kids coming back. This was a veteran team that accomplished something very, very special at Iowa Central."

The Tritons remain the only Iowa college to win an NCA championship. 

"It was big for our school and our community," Amanda Murphy said. "This was really special for everyone involved in Iowa Central Cheerleading - both present and past."

During the prelims, the Tritons posted a score of 95.9074, just ahead of Tyler with Pratt, Eastern Florida State and Neosho County rounding out the Top-5. Iowa Central, Tyler, Pratt, Neosho County and Eastern Florida State were how the final standings came out.

With their title, the team was given an extra chance to perform.

"All of the first place teams got to perform on the bandshell," Amanda Murphy said. "It was a chance to highlight the winners and we hit zero (performing without any deductions), so that was very exciting."

Team members include Hannah Bates, Deshawn Bowling, Jonah Brunschon, Mackenzi Burns, Brianna Campbell, Areli Cantu, Brandon Chapman, Madison Gant, Claire Gienapp, Kianna Gloede, Hannah Grass, Brooke Greene, Mikal Honeycutt, Johnathan Hughes, Tmara Johnson, Zachary Jones, Jake Michaelis, Khailee Pack, Mikena Page, Jayson Pate, Miah Rees, Marley Spring-Clark, Todd Sutherland, Madison Trinkle, Tye Vasquez, Allison Weisser, Gavin Weisser and Romiell Williams. 

Along with Amanda and Mitch Murphy, Liza LoVan, Mindy DeBaun and Jenna Williams are also assistant coaches.

-By Dana Becker