Erie, Pennsylvania, October 22, 2025
Gannon University Athletics has announced a competitive 10-meet schedule for its Acrobatics & Tumbling program, featuring key matchups against rivals. The season begins with a home opener on February 14 against Alderson Broaddus, showcasing the team’s ambition after a Top-10 finish in the previous season. Coach Brianna Wilcox is eager to leverage enhanced facilities and new training techniques for continued growth and success, as the team aims for postseason contention at the NCATA Championship.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Gannon University Athletics has unveiled an ambitious 10-meet schedule for its NCATA Acrobatics & Tumbling program in 2026, setting the stage for a competitive season across Pennsylvania and New York. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights a home opener against Alderson Broaddus on February 14, with key matchups against rivals Limestone and CONN-ORS expected to draw significant attention from fans.
The Golden Knights’ calendar includes a mix of home and away competitions designed to challenge the team while building on recent successes. Coach Brianna Wilcox’s excitement centers on the program’s continued development, particularly noting the contributions of junior tumbler Sofia Ramirez, who qualified for nationals in the previous year. The team enters the season with momentum from a Top-10 finish in 2025, aiming to refine skills in pyramid elements to improve overall scores.
Enhanced facilities at Gannon position the program well for sustained improvement. The schedule wraps up with potential postseason opportunities at the NCATA Championship in April, where the Golden Knights hope to contend for higher honors. Supporters can access the full calendar through the athletics website.
Schedule Overview
The 2026 slate kicks off with the February 14 home event, providing an early test before transitioning to road games. Mid-season highlights feature the rivalry bouts, which historically spark intense competitions and showcase the team’s acrobatic prowess. Later meets focus on fine-tuning routines in preparation for nationals.
Team Preparation and Goals
Gannon’s acrobatics and tumbling squad has invested in new training techniques, emphasizing pyramid formations to gain an edge in judging criteria. Ramirez’s experience as a national qualifier serves as a cornerstone, inspiring teammates to elevate their performances. The program’s Top-10 achievement last year underscores its rising profile in the NCATA circuit, and the 2026 schedule offers multiple platforms to demonstrate progress.
Regional Impact
Competitions spanning Pennsylvania and New York not only foster local rivalries but also attract spectators from surrounding areas. Events like those against Alderson Broaddus and Limestone provide opportunities for community engagement, highlighting the athletic diversity within collegiate sports. Gannon’s commitment to the sport reflects broader trends in emerging disciplines gaining traction at universities.
Background on the Program
Acrobatics and tumbling, recognized under the NCATA, combines elements of gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling into a scored format that rewards technical skill and synchronization. Gannon University, located in Erie, has steadily built its program since its inception, achieving competitive milestones in recent seasons. The 2025 Top-10 finish marked a breakthrough, positioning the Golden Knights as contenders moving forward.
The full schedule’s release signals the start of planning for athletes, staff, and fans alike. With 10 meets on tap, the team can strategically rotate lineups to manage fatigue while maximizing scoring potential. Postseason qualification remains a primary target, hinging on consistent results throughout the regular season.
As preparations begin, Gannon’s focus on athlete development promises a season of growth and excitement. The integration of advanced pyramid techniques could prove pivotal in tight contests, especially against established opponents like CONN-ORS. Overall, the 2026 outlook suggests another strong year for the program.
FAQ
What is the 2026 schedule for Gannon University’s NCATA Acrobatics & Tumbling program?
The 2026 slate includes 10 meets across Pennsylvania and New York, starting with a home opener against Alderson Broaddus on February 14, followed by key rivalries with Limestone and CONN-ORS.
Who is Sofia Ramirez in relation to the program?
Sofia Ramirez is a junior tumbler and a national qualifier from last year.
What was Gannon’s achievement in 2025?
Gannon achieved a Top-10 finish in 2025.
What are the team’s goals for 2026?
The Golden Knights aim to build on their 2025 Top-10 finish, incorporating new pyramid elements to boost scores, with potential postseason at the NCATA Championship in April.
Where can fans access the schedule?
Fans can download the calendar from gannonsports.com.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Meets | 10 meets |
| Home Opener | Against Alderson Broaddus on February 14 |
| Key Rivalries | Limestone and CONN-ORS |
| Highlighted Athlete | Junior tumbler Sofia Ramirez, national qualifier last year |
| 2025 Achievement | Top-10 finish |
| New Focus | Incorporating new pyramid elements |
| Postseason | Potential at NCATA Championship in April |
| Geographic Scope | Across Pennsylvania and New York |
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