Sept. 8, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - USA Gymnastics and the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) have reached an agreement in which USA Gymnastics will sanction all NCATA events.

The partnership moves Baylor's newest sport - competitive cheer - one step closer to establishing itself as a sport within the NCAA framework.

"This will be great for the development and expansion of the sport at the collegiate level, creating new opportunities for female student-athletes and getting our sport to emerging status with the NCAA," Baylor head coach Karry Forsythe said. "I am excited that USA Gymnastics is supporting our growth of this new sport."

NCATA organizes team acrobatics and tumbling for women, with a goal of reaching NCAA emerging sports status. Six institutions - Azusa Pacific, Baylor, Fairmont State, Maryland, Oregon and Quinnipiac - are currently members of NCATA.

Through the alliance, NCATA student-athletes and coaches will become members of USA Gymnastics and adhere to the rules and policies of the organization.

Baylor's competitive cheer team opens the 2010-11 season Dec. 3 at Fairmont State. The program's first-ever home event is scheduled for Jan. 23, when the Lady Bears welcome Oregon.