KINGSVILLE (April 17, 2024) — The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelina Cheerleading team competed in the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals and placed second in the Division II Spirit Rally cheer contest last week in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Javelina Cheer posted a Raw Score of 96.3 in the finals and a 96.2 in the preliminary round. Both performances also “hit-zero,” meaning the routine was executed without deductions resulting from miscues such as dropped stunts, tumbling missteps or broken safety rules.
“One thing that really stood out to me was all the hard work we put in,” head Javelina cheer coach Molly Roach said. “We were able to perform so well. Through our performances we had zero deductions, which is a big deal. At the end of the day, we feel we received more recognition than we ever had before.
“I’m just so proud of the team because they support Javelina Nation at events, at football, basketball and volleyball games,” Roach added. “So, for them to be able to have the opportunity to showcase their skills and perform so well and represent Javelina nation in such a positive way, it makes me so happy. They were able to give their all and show off and show out.”
The Javelinas finished behind Tarleton State (98) and ahead of the University of Texas-Tyler (95.2) to round out the top three.
While this year marked just the second time the Javelinas have participated in the NCA College Nationals, their Spirit Rally score of 96.3 was tied for fourth-highest throughout all divisions.
The team’s score also was an improvement from last year’s mark of 94.4.
“For just being our second year of competition, it was an amazing experience with these girls and guys,” Javelina senior cheer captain Sydney Sykes said. “We have been working hard all year for it and to have it finally pay off on both days, hitting zero, was a big deal. This was our only competition this year, so we had to make it count and I think we did that.”
“Placing second wasn’t our goal; our goal was to get first,” Sykes added. “But I think they’ll come back even stronger next year and take first.”
-TAMUK-