Northwestern Cheer Holds Top Spot in GPAC Preseason Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern competitive cheer team has been picked to the top spot of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll for the 2026 season.

The 2025 season was one of the most successful in program history, as the Raiders closed the year with an 87.57 average, which was 10^th in the NAIA. They posted a sixth-place finish at the NAIA Championships, recording an 89.70 overall score.

Northwestern was picked as the top team in the GPAC poll for the second consecutive season after winning back-to-back conference titles.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Northwestern – 49 pts. (7 first-place votes)
2. Midland – 43 pts. (1 first-place vote)
3. Concordia – 29 pts.
T4. Doane – 28 pts.
T4. Dordt – 28 pts.
6. Mount Marty – 19 pts.
7. Hastings – 18 pts.
8. Waldorf – 1 pt.

The Raiders will open the year on Saturday, January 24 at the Dordt Invite.

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

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