University of Kentucky cheerleading squad
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The University of Kentucky cheerleading squad is the one of the most prestigious collegiate cheerleading programs in the world. Representing the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, the UK squad has won the Universal Cheerleaders Association National College Cheerleading Championship an unprecedented sixteen (16) times, in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 - more than any other Division 1A school.
UK's squad is the only team to win back to back championships twice, once in 1987 and 1988 and again in 1995 and 1996. Further, UK is the only squad ever to win three, four, five, six, seven and eight championships in a row. UK's eight year streak of championships was broken in 2003 when they finished runner up to Central Florida. They regained the title in January, 2004 and won their third straight in 2006. Central Florida regained the championship in 2007 when UK finished in third place. But the next year, UK came home with their 16th title.
The UK Cheer Program is recognized in cheerleading circles as perhaps the finest cheer program in America as the squad has placed first 16 times and placed second four times in the National Championships. The squad also generates vocal support and significant enthusiasm for some of the finest athletic programs in the nation. The Wildcat basketball team is the winningest college basketball program in the nation and has won the NCAA National Championship seven times! In December, 1999, the Wildcat football team made its second consecutive bowl appearance.
The squad receives substantial media exposure. Having finished in the top ten every year since the existence of the UCA National College Championships, each year the UK squad is seen on the ESPN televised Championships Program, which airs at least eight times nationally.
The squad is frequently the subject of highlight stories by television and radio stations and newspapers. The squad has been featured on the "CBS Evening News," Connie Chung's "Eye to Eye", and the "CBS Morning Show", in "Southern Living" and "Gentlemen's Quarterly," "ESPN the Magazine," and "Seventeen" magazines.
The cheerleaders once performed at the half time of the Denver Nuggets (formerly coached by UK graduate, Dan Issel) and the Miami Heat (coached by UK graduate, Pat Riley) game.
