By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Hawks pep squad of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) once again bested other colleges as it emerged as this year’s champion of the Dia De Zamboanga Inter-School Cheerdance Competition held here yesterday at the Zamboanga City Coliseum in barangay Tetuan.
Universidad de Zamboanga’s Roaring Wildcats came in second, while Southern City Colleges’ Bulldogs came in third.
For the high school category, Zamboanga City High School Main’s Phoenix emerged as champion. Talon-Talon National High School’s Jaguars and Culianan National High School’s Green Warriors came in second and third, respectively.
This year, intense aerial stunts were not allowed as before to avert serious injuries among the competing students. The theme for the contestants’ performances is “Build Back Better Zamboanga”, illustrating this through artistic gymnastic dance interpretation.
The Hawks consistently won the said competition since 2012. The group has also been recognized for their performance in other competitions.
Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar congratulated the winners and the participants to the competition. She distributed cash and consolation prizes to both the winners and non-winners. Afterwards, the mayor joined in a fast-paced Zumba workout held at the venue.
The cheerdance competition is one of the activities held in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the city’s charter day on Feb. 26.