OKLAHOMA CITY – The St. Gregory's University cheer team will be going to nationals for the first time in school history. The Cavaliers secured a spot at the NCA/NDA NAIA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., when it finished second at the NAIA South Qualifying Group Cheer/Dance Championships in Oklahoma City Saturday.

SGU finished less than a point – 0.875 – behind event host Oklahoma City University in the All-Girl Cheer division. They were judged in categories such as stunts, baskets, pyramids, jumps, tumbling and motions/dance.

"I am so excited for the girls," said SGU coach Jessica Stiles. "They've worked hard to get to this point, and now all of that effort is starting to show positive results. They have done something that has never been done at SGU, and for that, I couldn't be more proud."

The Cavs earned a "Silver Paid Bid" to nationals, which means the team will receive two free hotel rooms, a reduced registration fee and first priority on their hotel assignment in Daytona Beach.

The NAIA currently considers competitive cheer an "emerging sport" and is working toward becoming the first collegiate governing body to host competitive cheer and dance as a "National Championship Sport." Until that time, the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA) will host the NAIA teams' national competition.

SGU added cheerleading as a varsity sport in May 2010.