WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The honors keep pouring in for Jordan Rowden of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University competitive cheerleading team.
After being named as the Crossroads League Player of the Year and making first team as a tumbler, the senior from Hebron, Ohio has been named as the National Cheerleader of the Year by the NAIA on Monday, March 13.
Rowden becomes MVNU’s first National Player of the Year since Andy Heimbach for MVNU baseball in 1999. Head Coach Melissa Nowicki is extremely proud of Rowden’s accomplishment. “I am thrilled that Jordan has received this recognition! His technique and ability to perform difficult skills with ease is outstanding,” said Nowicki. “He is extremely talented and also incredibly humble. He is consistent and confident, but never conceited. Jordan brings a lot of fun and positivity to our program. He is loved by his teammates and is a joy to coach. He has the best attitude, always works hard, and is encouraging to everyone. This award could not have gone to a more deserving athlete! I am so proud of him!”
Along with the National Cheerleader of the Year honor, Rowden also was named as an NAIA First Team All-American. “To try out for All-American, athletes must perform skills determined by the NAIA including a Toe-Touch Tuck, Triple jump combination, Round off back handspring full twisting layout, and a group stunt consisting of a full up, press to body position, full down dismount,” explained Nowicki. “All tryouts are scored by the national competition judges and athletes earn 1 to 5 points in each section. Athletes with at least 16 points earn 1st team All-American, and as the athlete with the highest score, Jordan earned the recognition of NAIA Cheerleader of the Year.”
The honor for Rowden marks a great end to a phenomenal career in a Cougar uniform.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.
