TAMIU Cheerleaders Head to Historic FL Competition
Members of the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Cheerleading Squad really do have something to cheer about. The 20-member squad is heading to Daytona Beach, FL April 10 to compete at the world’s biggest international cheer competition, the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship.
The TAMIU Cheerleaders are one of only two teams from Texas to have qualified to compete in the Intermediate All-Girl Division II category. They will join other competitors from Harvard, Penn State, Georgia State University, Michigan State University, Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University, and others.
TAMIU Cheerleaders sponsor Elizabeth Torres, an outreach and retention specialist for the University, said this is a first for the Squad and the University.
“TAMIU has never participated in a cheer competition at this level and it’s a first for all our cheerleader squad members,” Torres said.
She said the group has been practicing for about four hours daily for the past six months and is especially proud of its planned presentation.
“We’ve worked really hard and have put together a program that’s very culturally representative, but still includes the required dance, tumbling and advance stunts. This is a rigorous, physical competition and it’s even aired by CBS Sports,” she explained.
The cheerleaders will offer a free sneak peek at their program, dubbed “Showoff Sunday” on Sunday, April 7 at 10 a.m. in the TAMIU Kinesiology-Convocation Building.
The group also conducted its own fundraising in order to participate in the competition and completely funded its trip after hosting a cheer competition at TAMIU this past February.
“We had a phenomenally successful first event and are looking forward to hosting this competition on an annual basis,” Torres noted.
Torres, who earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at TAMIU, is completing her first year as team advisor. She was a member of Laredo’s first high school team at Alexander High School to win a 2003 national cheer title.
“We encourage folks to join us on Sunday for our ‘Showoff Sunday’ and hope they have a chance to see us and support our initiative. We are eager to show off TAMIU and Laredo at the competition,” she said.
For more information, contact Torres at 956-326-2273 or email elizabeth.torres@tamiu.edu
Information is also available on their TAMIU Cheer Facebook account.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu