GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Thiel College Tomcats Cheerleading team continues to make history, securing a top-three national finish on Saturday, April 12 and extending their streak in with an impressive fourth straight podium finish.
The Tomcats delivered a program-record score of 94.99 and finished third in the Spirit Rally Division III. The Tomcats were 2.3 points behind first-place Alma College. The finish solidified the Tomcats place among the nation’s elite Division III cheerleading programs as more than 20 points separated first and 10th place in the finals.
In addition to their podium finish, Thiel was honored for achieving one of the Top 10 event scores in every Spirit Rally Division—outperforming 41 teams and securing a Top 5 overall score across all divisions, including Division I, II, III, and NAIA.
Thiel’s first place Wednesday was in the 45 Second Crowd Segment. The Tomcats earned Silver and Bronze bids to the NCA College Nationals and also earned the Most Spirited Award and the Superior Ribbon Award for Evaluation of Camp Skills.
Seventh-year head coach Randall Burnett M.A.'22, who received collegiate credentialing earlier this year, led the Tomcats to a national championship in 2023. The squad finished second in 2022 and third in 2024.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.