LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech University's small coed cheer squad won its first championship at the National Cheerleading Association competition held in Daytona Beach, Florida over the weekend. Tech head cheer and mascot coach Bruce Bills said he couldn't be more proud of the historic performance.
“Here we learn why we do what we do. On that national stage, we are showcasing some of the most elite skills known in the cheerleading world.” Bills said.
However, Bills told Everythinglubock.com that Elite's skills are not as easy and seamless as they seem, saying the team has been preparing all year for just 2 minutes and 15 seconds on the mat.
“We'll start this in the first practice in August and just build on what's best for this team,” the Bills explained. “And starting in January, we're going to have a choreographer come in and put everything together.”
From then on, the team practiced the routine non-stop throughout the year. According to Bills, the team practiced more than 100 times in total. He told Everythinglubock.com that he has confidence in the cheerleaders, but watching them compete is always a roller coaster of emotions.
“I'm nervous because I've done everything I can at that point…it's up to them,” he said. “There's also a little bit where I just sit back and enjoy it because I trust that they're going to make it happen and do the best job on behalf of the technology.”
It was also a fierce competition, with the difference between first and second place being less than half a point, and Bills said waiting for the results was even more stressful than watching the performances.
“I’m a little nervous because it’s the little things that matter and they make the difference,” Bills said. “When they call Texas Tech, it’s the warmest feeling you’ll ever get because you’re doing it for the university, but for the athletes on this team. They have worked hard.”
And for the Bills, it's all about proving the greatness of those who wear the scarlet and black.
“Representing Tech means everything to me…and that's what I try to give back to the athletes,” he said. “Competing with a double T on our chest means a lot to us because we want to make sure we represent Texas Tech at the highest level.”
Tech University's large coed cheer squad placed second in another competitive division, and Bills said he couldn't be more proud of both teams. However, the celebration won't last very long as there will be another year of tryouts and preparation for his 2025 competition, which begins in just a few weeks.
