Texas Southern University has made history after its cheerleading team won a national title, making it the first Historically Black College or University to accomplish a win of this caliber.
The National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College National Championship began its annual competition Friday when the TSU Tigers competed in the Cheer Spirit Rally Division I category. They clinched the win after competing against more than a dozen teams.
According to a statement released by the University, the team “opened the preliminary rounds with a 94.05 performance score, 94.3 raw scores, and a 23.5125 performance score. They left off with a bang in the final rounds with a 96.1 score and 95.5875 event score,” according to a FOX 26 Houston report.
News of the feat comes just less than one year of the Tigers won the national Gold Bbid at the NCA camp title, an all-American award by the school’s mascot, Tex the Tiger and clinching second place in overall game day and winning overall most spirited.
“When I first came to TSU, I told the team we’re going to Nationals,” head coach Shontrese Comeaux said in a statement. “When we earned our gold bid at NCA Camp, I told the team, ‘it’s time to go to work’. I knew this was the year and the team to get the job done. I’m so proud of them and where we’re going to take the cheer program next.”
The team is excepted to receive national championships letterman jackets and rings for achieving the feat.
“Words can’t express how proud I am for our cheer team’s national championship,” Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger said. “They’ve worked very hard for this moment over the past several months. To see the long hours they’ve dedicated come to fruition in the form of a national championship is amazing as I want to commend the coaching staff and team members for their efforts. This team has made history at Texas Southern and everyone apart of TSU nation is proud of their accomplishments.”
