STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton State Cheer received their 2023 Gameday National Championship rings held in a special ceremony at Memorial Stadium on Sunday.
“The ring ceremony was absolutely perfect, surprising the 2022-23 team with their rings was everything I hoped it would be,” said head coach Blaine Hamilton. “Collegiate cheerleading encompasses so much more than just cheering for our Texans on the sidelines. I love nothing more than celebrating their successes in the classroom, in life and on the mat. Competition every April is our last hoorah together, the one time where we are cheering for ourselves and representing our amazing university while doing so. Hearing your name called last is by far the most exhilarating feeling and knowing that all the hard work we put in, paid off.”
This past April, the Texans heard their name called last on the bandshell for the first time since 2018, the inaugural year of the Gameday Division.
“It was great to bring the 2022-23 team back together to celebrate this huge accomplishment for our program,” said assistant coach Madison Scott. “Their work ethic is truly unmatched and I’m thankful that we were able to reward them with something so special. Each member made their mark on this program, and they will always be remembered for helping build the legacy for future members of Texan Cheer.”
Following their inaugural win in 2018, the Texans took second in 2019, then competed for the first time in four years in 2023.
After competing in prelims on April 6, the Texans were on top with a total raw score of 94.57. They came out with only one deduction of .25 for a day one score of 94.3167.
Once the Texans learned they were in the top position after day one they looked to hit zero the next day, April 7.
The Texans took to the bandshell for finals under the blazing Florida sun with the aspirations to take home the trophy. The Purple and White did just that. They hit zero on the finals stage earning them a raw score of 95.80. With no deductions, the Texans’ finals score was 95.8000.
With one deduction over two performances, the Texans finished with a score of 95.4292. The Purple and White was once again on top coming home with a national championship.
“The support we receive throughout the year from our families, friends, community, sponsors and administrators is unmatched,” said Hamilton. “Troy Jones, Lonn Reisman and President Hurley, thank you for the support day in and day out, it does not go unnoticed. Tarleton is a family, Tarleton Cheer is a family and we all Bleed Purple wholeheartedly.”
The Texans will once again return to the bandshell on April 11-12, 2024, looking to bring home another championship.
Click here to view the photo gallery from the ring presentation
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