Trine cheerleaders in Hall of Fame parade

Holtz, Aikman to be inducted

 

The Trine University cheerleaders and Blue Crew student fan group will colorfully and energetically represent their university in the College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Parade in South Bend, Ind. on July 18.

The Trine cheerleaders will tumble and chant cheers, while Laura Hoeppner of the Blue Crew will carry the group’s huge blue flag to make Trine’s presence well known during the procession.

They will join inductees and sports legends former Notre Dame football coach and ESPN commentator Lou Holtz and Dallas Cowboys quarterback and television sportscaster Troy Aikman in the parade, along with over 100 other groups and entries. The Big Red Shoe from last year’s Macy’s Parade, the famous Clown Band, jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists and equestrian teams will be just some of the entertaining exhibits and acts. ESPN will broadcast the festivities, and WNDU-TV of South Bend, the local NBC affiliate, will provide coverage for the first time.

Trine cheerleading adviser Kasey Jones said participating in the parade reflects the overall excitement about Trine’s cheerleading program, which is experiencing phenomenal growth. “They said, ‘Count me in!’ without any hesitation,” Jones said. “There’s a lot of excitement about it.”

A co-ed squad of six men and six women and another team of 12 women have already been accepted and have begun practicing, while a recruiting event is scheduled for June 20. Participating in a clinic for college-bound cheerleaders in a Fort Wayne cheer gym will also help with the recruiting efforts, she said. A $1,000 annual Trine cheerleading scholarship has also generated excitement.

Cheering requires strength and fitness, Jones said. “It’s more a sport than an activity. Tumbling and stunts are required. The new mascot can tumble and do stunts, so we are looking forward to performing some throws with him.”

The expanded cheer teams and new mascot will debut during the fall football season.