National Champions

By Kathy Thomson

Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams, one individual performer, and two youth pairs to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2020 West Texas Express Nationals at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center on Sunday, Jan. 12, and brought back the championship banner in the youth level two division.

The youth team, the ASC Black, is made up of 31 second through sixth grade girls. The team includes children from Albany, Abilene, and Breckenridge. 

“Everything went very smoothly this year,” said coach Kandi Ray from Albany Sports Center. “This was the third year in a row for our youth team to win their division.”

The Albany show team, ASC Pee Wees, performed an exhibition. 

Twelve girls from Albany, Breckenridge, and Woodson ranging from three years old through second grade, make up the show team. 

“It’s really fun working with the young ones,” said Ray. “And we love the competition in Lubbock. It is more laid back and a lot of fun!”

Hailey Gleitz competed in individual competition and won first place in best cheer in the mini age group.

Two pairs of local youth both competed in the best cheer duo/trio division.

Tara Cauble and Charli Trail won the division, while Hattie Braly and Tatum Grady took second place.

The next event on the calendar for the girls at Albany Sports Center will be at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 1, when they will take part in the Spirit Celebration Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders National Championship in Arlington, which is sponsored by Varsity Spirit. 

Along with the local teams that competed at Lubbock, Ray will take the ASC senior team to the Arlington competition.

Eighteen girls from Albany, Woodson, and Moran make up the senior team.