University Hosts NCA Regional Cheerleader Competition Feb. 7

Texas A&M International University invites all local and area elementary, middle school, junior high, high school, and all-star cheerleaders to participate in a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Regional Cheerleader Competition to be held at the University on Saturday, February 7 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Participants may compete in team and/or individual categories.

Competition in the team category will be held in the following divisions: Elementary/Youth for 6th grade and under with a maximum of 20 members per team; Junior High/Middle School/Freshmen, for 9th grade and under, 20 members per team maximum; Junior Varsity, for 9th - 11th grade, 20 members per team maximum, Small Varsity, for 9th - 12th grade, 4 - 10 member team, all female; Large Varsity, 9th - 12th grade, 11 - 20 member team, all female; and Co-Ed Varsity, 9th - 12th grade, 20 members per team maximum, with at least one male.

Teams in these categories must perform a choreographed routine not to exceed 2 1/2 minutes. Up to 1 minute and 15 seconds of the routine may be performed to music.

All-star competition will feature the following divisions: Junior Prep All-Star, for 6th grade and under, teams may have both males and females; Junior All-Star, 9th grade and under, teams may have both males and females; Senior Prep All-Star , 6th - 11th grade, all female; Senior All-Star, 9th - 12th grade, all female; and Co-Ed All-Star, 9th - 12th grade, with at least one male. All-Star teams in all divisions may have up to 25 members.

All-Star teams must perform a choreographed routine not to exceed 2 1/2 minutes. Music is allowed for all or any portion.

The Individual competition will feature Junior Best Cheerleader, for 9th grade and below, and Senior Best Cheerleader, for 10th - 12th grade. Junior Males and Females will compete in the same division. Senior Males and Females will also compete in the same division.

Each participant in the Individual competition must perform three consecutive jumps, a tumbling pass, and cheer. Overall performance may not exceed 90 seconds and no music is allowed.

Entry fee for the team competition is $15 per team member. Entry fee for the individual competition is $10 per entrant.

Ribbons and trophies will be awarded.

For information on the NCA Regional Cheerleader Competition at A&M International, please call the University's Office of Continuing Education at 326-2700, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Room 332 West.

Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu