Spirit Groups | 3/25/2026 12:51:00 PM

LORETTO, PA — The air in DeGol Arena was electric this past weekend as the Saint Francis University Cheer and Dance teams took the floor for their final dress rehearsal. In front of a packed home crowd, the "Nationals Sendoff Showcase" wasn't just a performance—it was a statement.

or these student-athletes, the stakes couldn't be higher. Because the Red Flash spirit programs operate on a biennial travel cycle, this month marks the culmination of two years of grueling late-night practices, rigorous conditioning, and a massive $60,000 fundraising effort ($30,000 per team) to get the "Flash" to the big stage.

Now, the bags are packed, the routines are polished, and two different Florida destinations await.

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The Road to the Gold
While the teams shared the floor this weekend, they are about to embark on two very different missions across the Sunshine State:
Red Flash Dance: The College Classic (Orlando)

• Dates: April 10–12, 2026
• Venue: Orange County Convention Center
• The Mission: Competing at Dance Team Union's (DTU) The College Classic, the Red Flash Dance Team will go head-to-head with the nation's elite. After a final weekend of "cleaning" their transitions based on showcase feedback, they are ready to bring their signature precision to the Convention Center floor.

Red Flash Cheer: NCA College Nationals (Daytona Beach)

• Dates: April 8–11, 2026
• Venue: The Daytona Beach Bandshell & Ocean Center
• The Mission: There is no stage in cheerleading quite like the NCA Collegiate Championship. The Red Flash Cheer Team is headed for the iconic Daytona sun, looking to hit a "zero-deduction" routine against the best Division I talent in the country.

 

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More Than Just a Routine
The showcase this past weekend served a dual purpose. For the fans who can't make the trek to Florida, it was a chance to see the 2026 routines live. For the coaches and athletes, it was the ultimate pressure test.

"This is what they have been working toward for two years," noted the coaching staff. "Getting out those last-minute fixes in front of a live crowd is vital before we hit the floor in Florida."

The sheer financial mountain these teams had to climb—raising $30,000 each—speaks to the dedication of this program. It is a testament to the Loretto community's support that these athletes are able to represent the Red Flash on a national level.
How You Can Help
The journey isn't over until the final trophy is hoisted. While the teams are on their way, you can still support their efforts and the future of the program by donating to the Spirit Squads fund.

• Support the Red Flash: Donate Here
• Event Info: NCA Spectator Guide | The College Classic Info

Safe travels to our Red Flash athletes. Daytona and Orlando better be ready—the Flash are coming.