Viper cheer comes home with accolades from NCA camp

Vandegrift varsity and JV cheerleaders at the National Cheerleaders Association camp held August 2-5 in Galveston.

By KIM KRANT ALLISON, Contributor

Vandegrift cheerleaders, under the direction of head coach Brianna Roughton came home with several team and individual awards from the National Cheerleaders Association camp held August 2-5 in Galveston.

The VHS cheer program received the prestigious “Herkie Award”, voted on by the NCA staff and given to the top all-around program at camp that exemplifies unity, spirit and leadership.

The varsity squad placed first in the large varsity cheer competition and received the NCA Stunt Safety Award. The junior varsity squad received first place in the large JV band chant competition. Both teams received the NCA Spirit Stick and bids to the National Championship competition, given to squads that exemplify competitive cheerleading ability.

Vandegrift varsity and JV cheerleaders at the National Cheerleaders Association camp held August 2-5 in Galveston.

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to attend camp in person this season,” said Roughton. “Each year we set high standards for our program and were grateful to be able to showcase both teams elite cheerleading abilities and achieve our individual and team camp goals.”

Six senior varsity cheerleaders were invited to apply for NCA instructors: Sara Pacheco, Caroline Caldwell, Emily Wagner, Ellie Hoopes, Ami Stelling, and Miranda Saenz. They were chosen by NCA staff for their superior cheerleading skills and leadership potential.

Fifteen Varsity cheerleaders and three JV cheerleaders were also named to the coveted NCA All-American team for displaying superior techniques in the following areas: jumps, tumbling, stunting, crowd skills, motion technique and leadership ability.

Varsity All-American team members include: Caroline Caldwell, Sienna Ceder, Ava Coulter, Kathryn Frazier, Ellie Hoopes, Brooke Ibarguen, Kaytlin Krant, Alina Kudrick, Britney McCarley, Sara Pacheco, Miranda Saenz, Brooke Tjelmeland, Emily Wagner, Jessica Wills and Cady Wong. Junior Varsity All-American team members include: Ellie Berquist, Rose Finley and Kenzie Kudrick.

“Our program is excited and prepared to support our Vandegrift Vipers and continue to excel and grow the program this year,” Roughton said. 

All-American award recipients from National Cheerleaders Association: Bottom row (L to R): Rose Finley, Kenzie Kudrick, Ellie Berquist. Middle row (L to R): Kaytlin Krant, Caroline Caldwell, Emily Wagner, Ellie Hoopes, Sara Pacheco, Miranda Saenz, Jessica Wills, Cady Wong. Back row (L to R): Sienna Ceder, Brooke Ibarguen, Britney McCarley, Brooke Tjelmeland, Alina Kudrick, Ava Coulter, Kathryn Frazier