Cheerleaders win top award at national contest

ANGOLA, Ind. — In their first national competition, Trine University cheerleaders captured third runner-up at the Cheer Ltd Nationals at CANAM Sunday in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In addition, Trine cheerleaders also won the CANAM Crazies/Sportsmanship Award, which celebrates the best fans and sportsmanship in cheerleading. To take home the award, Trine demonstrated visual appeal, enthusiastic support of the team and good sportsmanship toward competitors.

“These awards speak so highly of our cheerleaders,” said Trine coach Kasey Jones. “They worked so hard and gave a great performance. Even more important, they treated everyone with respect and worked together as a team.”

This was the first year Trine cheerleaders competed in a national competition. Trine cheerleaders who competed in the event include juniors Bryan Chuprinko of Centurburg, Ohio, and Zac Cunningham of Bourbon, sophomores Jay Carey of Plano, Texas, Mike Connors of Niles, Mich., Coty Crawford of Fremont, Matt Dent of Delphi, Elizabeth “Bizz” Fisher of Medina, Ohio, Brittany Slone of Kendallville and Kaylee Ozug of Morocco, and freshmen Kelsey Bartrom of Huntington, Kylene Coate of Fort Wayne, Brittany Minnich of Convoy, Ohio, Calyn Rowley of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Samantha Hunter of Gas City and Samuel Montes of Attica. Freshman Tony Laing of West Terre Haute is an alternate, and senior Jordin Zienta of Fremont is also serving as a coach.