Northwest Missouri State’s cheerleading team claimed its first national championship Saturday at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The Bearcats bested second-place Slippery Rock and eight-time defending champion West Georgia, who placed third.

Northwest pulled off a near flawless routine while being judged on partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, tumbling and a cheer section. For the fourth year in a row, the Bearcats earned all 15 points on its crowd tape score, which is based on what the team does at home football and basketball games.

Northwest’s mascot, Bobby Bearcat, placed third and the Bearcat steppers placed sixth. All three Bearcat squads are under the guidance of coach Jason Sack.  Bobby Bearcat and the Steppers are expected to arrive back in Maryville at noon Monday. The cheerleading squad is expected to arrive around 9 p.m.