At the UAAP Cheerdance Competition Season 86, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad delivered a remarkable Super Mario-themed performance, captivating 18,122 spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena and millions on television. Their energetic and skillful routine earned them the prestigious championship crown, marking a nostalgic victory and a return to glory after losing the title in the previous season to the National University Pep Squad.
FEU Coach Randell San Gregorio expressed that the team’s focus was on perfecting their routine and doing justice to the Super Mario theme, a goal they achieved beyond expectations. The squad’s efforts led to a total of 702.5 points, surpassing their rivals with only a five-point deduction, and securing them their fourth overall crown in cheerdance history. This win also established FEU as the team with the most podium finishes in the competition’s history.
The performance was a blend of classic Super Mario movements and songs, with FEU leading in all criteria, including dance, pyramids, tumbling, and tosses. The competition saw impressive routines from other teams as well, with the NU Pep Squad finishing second with an Elvis Presley-inspired routine and the University of Santos Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe securing bronze with a Blackpink-themed performance.