ANAHEIM, Calif. - The College of Southern Idaho Cheer Team came close to pulling off its third straight national championship at USA Nationals but posted two runner-up finishes and a third-place finish.
On Friday, the Golden Eagles placed second in Sideline, trailing the national champion University of Idaho by just .4 points. Last year, CSI placed ninth in the same event, showing marked improvement against many four-year schools including New Mexico State, University of Colorado and Western Washington.
On Saturday, CSI took third in Stunt Group and placed second in Show. Show was the category the Golden Eagles won the national championship the last two years. 
CSI Head Coach Reylene Abbott said it was hardest routine her teams have ever put on the floor.
"I'm so proud of the team and their effort," Abbott said. "Just came up short of defending our national championship but we increased the difficulty and represented CSI very well."