MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - The Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons competitive cheer team competed in the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships on March 6-7, 2026, in Tanner, Alabama. The Barons set program history, earning their highest scores in competition. The Barons finished fifth out of ten schools in the field.

The Barons started the competition off with an 81.47 score in their first routine, hitting a program milestone. In round two, the Barons followed it up with an 82.03, continuing to improve and set records. Day two saw the Barons set a program record once again and finish with a final score of 86.42 in their routine, placing fifth.

Head Coach Keri Nester reflected on the team's performance, saying, "I am extremely proud of our growth as a program and even more proud of our growth as a team. Every single individual on this team was prayed for before they ever even signed to cheer. Those individuals have united as one and surpassed all of my hopes and dreams for this season. History has been made with these athletes."

The Barons cheer team also won the Conference Sportsmanship award, and five members made the SSAC All-Conference Team. Kaylee Cox, Charles Henkel, Macie Purcell, Cloey Sanders, and Harley Slade were all named to the All-Conference team, and Evelin Chapman was named the BPCU Champion of Character winner. The Barons team also had four members earn All-Academic Team honors, Charles Henkel, Christine Herndon, Harley Slade, and Dan Smith. The Barons will look to carry this momentum forward and continue setting program records. 

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