The reigning NCA Junior College National Champions, Trinity Valley Community College is putting in their final practices as they head to Daytona Beach, FL in the hopes of winning their 11th national championship title.

The Cardinals of Trinity Valley are seasoned vets when it comes to rocking the stage in Daytona, TVCC was started by the late Connie Jo Russell and has been going to NCA Nationals for over 30 years!


The Junior College division has been a ping pong match between TVCC and Navarro College since 2000. TVCC reclaimed the title with an amazing Finals performance in 2016. "It was a surreal moment to be able to bring the championship back to TVCC and it meant a great deal to the program because a lot of people put in a lot of work for that victory," explained TVCC Coach Khristopher Franklin. "The 2016 team won, but there have been hundreds that came before, that helped pave the road to allow last year's team to achieve that goal."

Determined To Stay On Top In 2017

Coach Franklin said their nationals prep is made up of three things: Grades, desire, training. "We push academics here a lot. We had the most successful academic year in the last 10 with 22 of 30 cheerleaders earning a 3.0 or better," explained Franklin. "Making our athletes stay humble and hungry is key for our preparation to try and remain on top, because when the athletes become complacent it leaves room for error." He said they also utilize their football team's offensive line coach to do strength and conditioning to get their bodies prepared for the strenuous training.


It is truly incredible the amount of talent that TVCC brings to the mat each season with only two years with each of their athletes. "The biggest challenge that all of the teams go through is trusting one another because of the lack of time they have together whereas universities have athletes that have been together for more than a couple years."


TVCC is guaranteed to bring an impressive show to the mat in Daytona. When asked what will set them apart from their competition Coach Franklin said their unassisted stunts and overall stunt technique helps set them apart.

"I feel a big motivational factor for us this year is to compete with the best energy we can to honor Connie Jo Russell. CJ started the Trinity Valley Cheer team and had immense influence in the growth and success of our world class program. She passed away this last year and I believe that this year our performance will do a great service honoring her memory," explained TVCC Cheerleader Jonathan Jackson. "We just want to go out there, have fun, and show the world what Trinity Valley Cheer is about. Bringing the title back this year would be monumental to the program, our alumni, and all Trinity Valley supporters."

It would be awesome to hold the trophy high and say 'CJ this one's for you'.

With their main goal to hit a zero-deduction routine and have fun as a family in the process, TVCC is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Make sure to tune into Varsity TV as TVCC takes the mat LIVE in the Ocean Center for Prelims of the 2017 NCA College National Championship Thursday at 11:31 AM ET.

How To Watch

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