Fayette, Mo. - Head Competitive Dance Coach Terin Fuemmeler has created the mindset of not only having members of her squad that represent the university both in dance performances, but also representing CMU as ambassadors for what the "student-athlete" truly represents.

The CMU Spirit Squad; which is comprised of both the Coed Cheer team and the Competitive Dance team are the most visual groups on campus. Whether you're at a game, in the library or just walking around campus, this group of CMU's most prevalent individuals are there to represent Central Methodist and help students as best as they can. The dance team finds itself at nearly everything that represents Central. The team performs at every home football game, varsity volleyball, men and women's basketball, and junior varsity sporting events.

Outside of their competition season, the Eagles do everything from reading books to elementary students, to attending numerous community events, as well as volunteering at a local events for the university and the community. When several members of the dance team were asked about the program they all said, "We love it, getting involved in the community is something that we really get excited about."

Within the last four years at Central Methodist University, the competitive dance team has grown exponentially in both experience and determination. The CMU squad is comprised of seven full-time dance team members entering this year. The team also has students who perform both cheer and dance.

Coach Fuemmeler said, "2016-17 will be our most talented team in terms of ability. We have very talented dancers with experience this year and are excited to grow as a team."

Fuemmeler enters her fifth year as the CMU head spirit squad coach. Not only have Eagle fans noticed the excellent program that has been created, but the NAIA nationwide has as well. Under the leadership of Coach Fuemmeler, Central finds itself in position to challenge for The Heart Title year in and year out, along with a shot at an NAIA Nationals Dance Championship.

The 2016-17 season will be the first time in which the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) will recognize both Competitive Cheer and Competitive Dance as national championship sports. The 2017 National Championship is scheduled for March 10-11 and will take place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Leading up to the National Championships, Central will be performing in a regular season competition at Grand View University, before hosting the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship on February 11th, 2017; for the second straight year. CMU will then travel to Lindenwood University at Belleville for the chance to qualify for Nationals.

The Eagles return to Fayette in the coming weeks to begin practice as they prepare for the beginning of their regular season at Grand View.

For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.