SXU Cheer and Dance Join American Midwest Conference
Ahead of the 2025-2026 academic and athletic year beginning, the Saint Xavier University (SXU) competitive cheer and dance teams joined the American Midwest Conference (AMC) as affiliate members for the season. The Cougars will compete in both cheer and dance with seven other teams in the AMC program.
SXU joins a successful conference, as the AMC hosts five NAIA Cheer National Championships and four NAIA Dance Championships, including St. Ambrose, which has won two consecutive championships in competitive cheer, as well as the last two NAIA Dance titles.
"Saint Xavier is excited to learn that we have been accepted into the AMC for Cheer and Dance. The opportunities and student experiences from our two teams joining this conference will be amazing. I'm excited for the University and for our student-athletes," said Ken Alston, Athletics director.
Facing new competition this year, the cheer and dance teams are ready to level up their skills and gain experiences they haven't had in the past.
"Being part of the AMC is going to push us to new heights. Competing in a conference with multiple national champions raises the standard, and that's exactly what we want for our athletes. It motivates us to elevate our skills, sharpen our execution, and strengthen our teamwork. Beyond the competition itself, having consistent opportunities to perform against top-tier programs will give our team valuable experience, confidence, and exposure that will only make us stronger heading into NAIA and national competitions," said Sitaara Jones, cheer head coach.
Following a successful 2024-25 season, the dance team is excited about the opportunity to have more athletes compete and aims to improve its score with every competition it attends.
"After being able to compete at a qualifying competition for nationals, we are pumped to get back on the floor. Last year, we had three outstanding athletes take the floor, and this year, we aim to have six-plus athletes competing. This means no auto deduction for not having enough athletes take the floor," said Jeffery Orluck, dance head coach.
SXU cheer and dance will perform in its first Conference Championships under AMC at Columbia College March 6-7, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri.
SXU sports will continue to perform under the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The composite calendar of events can be found on the SXU Athletics website.