STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton State Cheer and Texan Stars had a memorable summer.
Between both programs, they collected numerous awards and praise at camp this summer, headlined by Tarleton State Cheer earning the first gold paid bid in program history. The Texan Stars, meanwhile, earned a silver paid bid, two tremendous honors for the duo.
Tarleton State Cheer
A gold bid, three top-three finishes, eight All-Americans and an All-American Mascot were all swept up by Tarleton State at National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) camp this summer hosted at SMU.
In their division of the crowd segment of camp, the Texans took first overall. This is a 45-second “game day” style routine performed for the judges.
In the rally section, they took a second-place finish. This section is again a 45-second routine set to music and the athletes learn three eight-counts of motions at camp, while the other counts are learned ahead of time.
With their first-place finish in the crowd segment it placed them in a crowd segment run-off. This is where they compete against every other first place winner from the other divisions. The Texans ended up coming out with a third place finish behind first place Dallas Baptist and runner up Texas Tech.
“We get points for placements, making it to the runoff and staff and team votes,” said Tarleton State Cheer head coach Blaine Hamilton. “This is huge as it means we stood out as a team to not only other teams, but also to the staff. Coach Madi and myself are extremely proud of this team and their hard work, we can’t wait to see what all they accomplish this year.”
On the individual side of things, the Texans came away with eight All-Americans and an All-American Mascot. Those that try out must perform a standing toe back, running round off backhand spring full and a specific group stunt with no errors, all judged by NCA Staff.
The eight All-Americans are Makaela Allen, Kiley Benedict, Jayden Hartsock, Brysen Richey, Adison Savage, Alerah Turpin, Maysun Whittle, Taytum Young.
The newest Texan Rider, Kolt Byrd, who was recently announced earned the honor of All-American Mascot at his first camp. All-American Mascot is awarded by the NCA Staff to individuals who show strength in spirit, technique, and leadership.
After collecting all these awards, the Texans received one more award, a gold bid. A gold bid to the 2024 NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, comes with more perks than just a ticket to the ocean front. A gold bid helps to cover five hotel rooms, reduced registration cost per person, and first pick on hotel placement. This is roughly a $15,000 savings.
“This team from day one of pre camp was laser focused and ready to put in the work,” Hamilton said. “Their effort was unmatched and it carried over into camp earning them enough points to grant them a gold paid bid.”
Texan Stars
The Tarleton State Texan Stars attended two camps this summer, collecting lots of hardware.
The first one was the Universal Dance Association (UDA) camp hosted at Texas State University. The Texan Stars took 11 members and received multiple awards.
The Stars took home All Superior Ribbons, Game Day Superior, College Spirit Camp Superior, and Program Improvement.
“I have such an incredibly talented and respectful group of young ladies this year,” said head coach Elizabeth Walker. “This team has already proven their worth and commitment to their team, coaches, and each other. I cannot wait to see what all we accomplish together this season! We can, and we will!”
The Stars also attended the National Dance Alliance (NDA) camp at SMU, taking 19 members.
At NDA camp the Texans took a first-place finish in the team performance for Division II. This is a minute-and-a-half routine that is learned while at camp. It is then performed on the final day of camp for a chance to earn a bid to NDA Nationals hosted in Daytona Beach.
The Stars also earned a first-place finish in the Game Day runoff for Division II.
The Texans received one of their highest scores at camp this year earning them a silver paid bid to Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL.
There were also two Stars that were named All-American. These athletes are Alex Kicker and Avery Pacheco.
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