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The Lamar University Spirit Team, consisting of the LU Dance Team and the LU Cheer Squad, brought home several awards after attending the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association Collegiate Camp on July 12-15 at Texas State University in San Marcos.

This was the dance team’s first time attending UCA/UDA Collegiate Camp, which drew more than 250 dancers. The team won first place in the home routine competition, a Superior trophy in fight song, a Superior trophy in evaluations and the Program Improvement Award.

“I can’t begin to explain how amazing it feels to coach this team,” said Brixey Blankenship-Cozad, dance team coordinator. “These girls worked so hard, and I am very happy for them.”

The LU Dance Team was also one of two dance teams asked to perform for the entire camp and the public. In addition, six dance team members were asked to audition for staff positions with UDA: Christina Torres of Houston; Taylor Harris of La Porte; Bethany Cherry and Morgan Walston of Nederland; Miranda Lawrence of Orange; and Nicole Hardy of Plano.

“They had to do so much, but, under pressure, they really pulled together and worked together,” Blankenship-Cozad said. “These young ladies are representing Lamar to the finest.”

The nationally recognized LU Cheer Squad competed against more than 600 cheerleaders. The squad won first place in overall game day presentation, first place in sideline chant, second place in fight song, second place in cheer and received both the Leadership Award and the Program Improvement Award.

“This camp is a constant reminder that cheerleading was created to support the school,” said Kristyn Henderson, cheer and mascot coordinator. “Our goals are to support the school and to be role models and leaders in our community.”

In addition, four cheer squad members are currently UCA staff members: DeQuane Bennett of Beaumont, Jessica Colton of Kountze, Alexia Gwinn of Crosby and Wade Hendrix of Sour Lake. A.J. Webb of Dallas was asked to audition for a UCA staff position.

“Coaching the cheer squad is very rewarding,” Henderson said. “It’s nice to see all of our hard work pay off.”

Both the dance team and the cheer squad hope to attend camp next year, and the cheer squad plans to compete at the UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship.