For the second time in three years Northwest Missouri State cheerleading was named the 2012 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Champion at the Walt Disney World Resort on Saturday.

Head Coach Jason Sack and his squad earned their second UCA National Championship since he took over the program in 2006. Northwest claimed its first championship in 2010.

Northwest competed against other NCAA Division II schools to take home the title over defending National Champion West Georgia, which was followed by third place Columbus State.

The Bearcat Steppers also competed in the open hip hop division advancing to the finals and earning a sixth place finish. Additionally the Steppers have advance to the finals of the open jazz division and will perform Sunday at 10 a.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —