We have all answered the question at least once this semester, “How was your summer?”

For the Iowa State Pom Pon Squad, it was a summer to remember.

The squad was selected to attend the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) national tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla., this coming April.

The squad earned high marks while attending an NCA camp this summer at the University of Northern Illinois.

“There were nine or ten teams there,” Laurie Paul, the Pom Squad co-captain said. “There were a number of big universities as well as one team from Japan.”

Paul said that every team was given the same set of dances to perform. Each team was judged by the instructors as well as the other teams attending the camp on their dancing abilities as well as their teamwork.

Iowa State walked away with “Most Collegiate Squad” honors which earned them the right to attend the national tournament in Daytona Beach. The team also took home “Best Overall” honors along with two blue ribbons. They also took second in the fight song category.

Now it is time for the twelve-girl squad to prepare for nationals. Paul said they have hired a choreographer who can help them with dance moves.

“The sooner we get our routine down, the better off we’ll be,” Paul said. “We have to fill about a two minute time spot. The more creative the better.” She continued by saying the national competition is different from the summer camp in that each team takes their own dance routine to Florida with them.

“Even though it is a long way off we are all really excited,” Paul said.