For the second time in four years, Gannon University will be the host school for a national championship event.
The Hammermill Center will be the location of the 2018 National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) national championships, April 26-28. Eight qualifying teams will receive at-large bids to the event, which will be contested in a single-elimination format.
The prestige of hosting a national championship was the result of a coordinated effort by the University, the Erie Sports Commission and the City of Erie to bring the event to the Hammermill Center, and the mounting excitement for the event is shared by the NCATA.
“We are excited to partner with Gannon University and the Erie Sports Commission to host the 2018 NCATA National Championships,” said NCATA Executive Director Janelle Cook.
“Lisa Goddard McGuirk and her staff are well positioned to host a special event for our student-athletes and fans. The great staff at the Erie Sports Commission and the community of Erie have been so supportive and enthusiastic. We really look forward to bringing our championship to their city.”
Gannon Athletic Director Lisa Goddard McGuirk said, “This announcement shows the tremendous support of the community, which will show a warm Erie welcome to the competitors and families who will enjoy all that Erie has to offer.”
Gannon coach Jacquie Eshelman competed in the NCATA championships for the University of Oregon, a perennial power in the sport. “Our team has high goals, and I can’t wait to see how they accomplish them,” she said.