Trinity Valley Community College welcomed home two national championship teams Sunday evening. The 2017 Cheer team returned from Orlando with their second consecutive championship trophy from the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and the Cardettes won their first-ever national title in Dance Team Union (DTU) competition held in Las Vegas.
Coach Khris Franklin’s Cardinal cheerleaders won their 11^th national title overall with a high-energy routine dedicated to the memory of the late CJ Russell, former cheer coach and winner of 5 national championships. Cardettes director Darla Mansfield’s team beat out two 4-year college teams to win their first-ever DTU national championships. They also placed fifth in the Jazz division and were one of the top five in the Dance Battle round.
The groups were welcomed home to Cardinal Gym by a large group including TVCC coaches, athletes, employees and the Cardinal Regiment band. Vice President of Student Services Dr. Jay Kinzer said, “This is really a special day to be able to welcome home two national champions. We want to express how proud we are of both teams on their hard work and dedication.”