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In 2015–2016, St. Edward’s University cheerleading appeared at events on the local and regional stage. The Hilltoppers cheered on the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the Heartland Conference Tournament and made multiple appearances at Texas State for UCA High School and Regional Competitions. In 2016–2017, the team will continue the course towards excellence set by head coach Talia Russell. With the 2016–2017 season about to begin, the Hilltopper cheerleaders have wasted no time carrying last season’s success into this year, competing at UCA cheer camp in the small, coeducational NCAA Division II group at Texas State in San Marcos, Texas. The team finished top-three in the fight song competition and top-four in the sideline chant category. The hilltop’s beloved mascot, Topper, also earned the Superior Mascot Award. St. Edward’s University cheerleading’s success came as a product of changes, hard work and preparation starting long before camp. “We stress staying in shape throughout the summer, both in the weeks leading up to and following camp,” said Russell. “We have high expectations this year, and I am looking forward to continuing our success once the team gets back on the hilltop in August.” THE TEAM Team captains Marvin Hughes, Megan Aust, Megan Bayer and Jared Cobble will lead the 2016–2017 squad. Aust enters her third year as captain, while Hughes continues his second year. Bayer and Cobble step into their inaugural year of leadership. The quartet will be leading a team with several fresh faces and solid returning leadership. Following the example of the returners and listening to instruction will be critical in helping the new members make the transition from high school to college cheerleading. “Going from high school to college can be difficult, especially when dealing with new skills,” said Coach Russell. “College-level skills require more body control, consistency and determination. At the college level, we emphasize game-day, crowd-effective cheerleading more than competition and skills, which can be very different from the high school and all-star levels.” ON CAMPUS The number one goal for St. Edward’s University cheerleading this season is to be visible throughout campus by promoting home athletic events to the general student body. In addition to getting the crowd involved at home volleyball and basketball games, the team is looking forward to new promotions and Austin’s favorite mountain goat showing off new moves and performing skits he learned at camp. The pride of the hilltop also hopes to continue performing exhibition routines while appearing at halftime of basketball games and during the break in volleyball. IN THE COMMUNITY St. Edward’s cheerleading also strives to continue increasing its community engagement. After setting the bar by attending multiple community events last year, the team plans to increase its community service and volunteer events in 2016–2017. “We are already planning to participate in Orientation and Welcome Days activities like Hilltop Hangout and Anchors,” Coach Russell said. “We are also planning to volunteer at Austin Parks and with the Jeremiah Program this fall. We always try to fulfill any appearance requests throughout the year in order to support our local community events.” FINAL THOUGHTS “I think there are a lot of improvements happening in Athletics that will aid us in developing our skills and becoming more visible,” said Coach Russell. “There is an automatic connection between cheerleading and competing, and although this is not something the team is currently involved with, it is not far-fetched. Supporting Hilltopper Athletics and all of the sports teams is our primary function. Once we improve game day cheerleading and accomplish true fan and student involvement, then we can start thinking about competition.” Learn more about Hilltopper cheerleading at: GoHilltoppers.com CHEER
