By Gio Carlo D. Castro

After making a podium comeback last year with the rhythm and blues of the 70s era, Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) captured a back-to-back silver finish in the highly anticipated University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 82 cheerdance competition, November 17 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

FEU’s Michael Jackson-themed routine garnered a total of 706 points, a 16-point shy from the two-time champion National University (NU) Pep Squad, who scored 722 points with their Pinoy Pride performance. Adamson University (AdU) Pep Squad landed on bronze podium with 658.5 points.

FEUCS electrified the crowd with their highest garnered points in pyramids’ category with 93.5 points and ranked as the best squad in tumbling category with 91.5 points.

Moreover, the team had 87 markers in tosses, 76 points for their stunts and 362 points for their dance section – sporting the King of Pop’s iconic moves of anti-gravity lean, moonwalk and toe stand.

Performing fifth out of eight competing universities, FEU head coach Randell San Gregorio remained grateful despite of falling short in ending the title drought of the green-and-gold cheerdancers since 2009.

“It feels great kasi mahirap mag-place sa top three (because it’s difficult to earn a place within the top three). To do it back-to-back is a great achievement para sa amin (for us),” San Gregorio said.

In group stunts category, the Morayta-based squad also notched its first runner up finish for the second year in a row and making it their ninth-straight podium finish. NU was hailed as the champion, while AdU brought the second place finish.

Known as one of the perennial top contenders in the said event, San Gregorio found another reason to be thankful after receiving praises with the highly-charged crowd.

“Judging from the crowd’s reaction sa routine namin (in our routine), we’ve done our job. We’ve done a good job,” San Gregorio ended.

(See full album: UAAP CDC 82 - FEU Cheering Squad)