Cheer Tops 2025 GPAC Preseason Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – One season removed from its first GPAC title and NAIA Championships appearance, the Red Raider competitive cheer team has been picked first in the GPAC preseason poll.

Northwestern had a record-setting season in 2024, posting its highest season average (85.48), highest overall score (92.66 – GPAC), and highest single-round score (93.21 – GPAC). The Raiders also had two all-conference selections in Nathan Tornow and Hannah Van Maaren on a team that finished sixth at the NAIA Championships with a score of 88.55. Heading into this season, Northwestern was also ranked No. 3 in the NAIA's ARC rating.

In the poll, Northwestern received 64 points and eight of the nine first-place votes. Fellow NAIA Championships qualifier Midland received the other first-place vote. Dordt was picked third with Hastings rounding out the top four.

Rank	Team	Points (1st Place Votes)
1	Northwestern Red Raiders	64 (8)
2	Midland Warriors	56 (1)
3	Dordt Defenders	43
4	Hastings Broncos	40
5	Morningside Mustangs	34
6	Concordia Bulldogs	33
7	Doane Tigers	25
8	Mount Marty Lancers	17
9	Waldorf Warriors	12

The Raiders open the 2025 competitive season on January 25, heading to North Dakota for a dual with Dickinson State.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Nathan Tornow: 5' 9"; Senior

Hannah Feikema: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Nathan Tornow
: 5' 9"; Senior

Hannah Feikema
: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Nathan Tornow

Hannah Feikema

Players Mentioned

Nathan Tornow

Hannah Feikema