Cheerleader Luncheon:

On Thursday May 1, 2014 Aramark hosted a luncheon for the Texas A&M International University(TAMIU) Cheerleaders. Marketing specialist Enrique Botello coordinated the event and ensured everyone had a great time. The women and man that represented TAMIU this year as cheerleaders won the first National Championship ever for our University. Joined by key staff members and coaches the cheerleaders of TAMIU celebrated not only a National Championship but also the resilience they showed during the last year. Coach Elizabeth Torres and Assistant Coach Kristina Velasquez worked hard to bring everyone together throughout the season and ensured no matter how they ended their season they would do it as a team.

The cheerleading season started off great as the team was able to raise $50,000 during their annual cheer and dance fest fundraiser. This money was used during their trip to Daytona Beach to compete for the National Championship and helped the cheerleaders secure a title for TAMIU.  Although the season had a lot of positives it was also marked by tragedy. Sophomore and second year cheerleader Maria Isabel Rodriguez tragically died in a car accident on March 20, 2014. At the young age of 20 Maria was a promising student and a dedicated team member of the TAMIU cheerleading squad.  Although the team was in mourning, instead of letting this tragedy weigh them down, the cheerleaders of TAMIU celebrated Maria's life and where determined to come together and finish strong.

Coach Torres gave a speech to the cheerleaders before the meal was served and congratulated the team not only for accomplishing a huge goal but also for sticking together and working as a team never giving up or losing hope. Coach Torres used words like proud, resilient, positive, and driven when describing the TAMIU cheerleaders giving all praise to the young students and assistant coach K. Coach Torres later stated, "this year they became a sisterhood and a brotherhood forming a phenomenal bond filled with dedication and teamwork. Having one goal in mind they didn't let anything stop them and I am so proud of them for that." Her pride in all her cheerleaders shows as she spoke and resonates in every one of them as they celebrated their accomplishments during the luncheon.

During the season coach Torres also went on maternity leave and entrusted the team to Coach Kristina Velasquez. Affectionately called coach K by the team Ms. Velasquez works for the student counseling and disability services office. She has cheered most of her life and kept the team proficient at their routines while Coach Torres was gone. After all of the ups and downs of the season the TAMIU cheerleaders still prevailed, bringing home something the whole University can be proud of- A National Championship.

This year is only the beginning for The TAMIU cheerleaders as they move forward and set their sights on next year's competition. Coach Torres and the TAMIU cheerleaders will be holding a tryout clinic from May 20-22. For more information on the tryout and the TAMIU cheer team you may contact head coach Elizabeth Torres at Elizabeth.torres@tamiu.edu

(Frank campos can be contacted by email at frank.camposj@gmail.com and you can follow him on twitter @frankcamposj)