The Hope College cheerleaders finished eighth at the national collegiate championships in Orlando, Fla.

The coed squad, consisting of 16 members, was competing at nationals for the first time. They were just one of two NCAA Division III squads to receive an invitation to compete in the Division II category. They advanced through the semi-finals for the opportunity to compete in finals.

The competition, sponsored by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, was held at Disney World.

West Georgia State University won the national championship. Other schools advancing to the finals were Delta State, Miss., Columbus State, Ga., Slippery Rock, Pa., Pittsburg State, Ks., Indiana Wesleyan, and Palm Beach Atlantic, Fla.

The coed squad consists of 18 members.