The back-to-back national champion Blinn College cheer and dance teams started off the school year on the right path even before the Fall semester starts.

The Blinn cheer and dance teams cleaned up on the awards recently during a National Cheer Association and National Dance Association camp at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

“I’m just impressed with their ability to work hard and stay focused,” said Sarah Flisowski, spirit coordinator. “Just being able to perform well in a room filled with that many people is impressive.”

The cheer team’s Amber Whitworth (Magnolia), Devante Spears (Chicago), Miracle Allison (Cedar Park), Candyce Brewer (Kyle) and Kaylynn McClish (Wichita, Kan.) were each named All-Americans.

The cheer team also placed first in “rally” in the small co-ed division. Of the five teams in the division, Blinn was the only two-year college competing. Blinn also received a silver paid bid to College Nationals, which means it gets two rooms paid for during nationals.

The dance team had three named All-Americans as Taylor English (Victoria), Michelle Watt (Clear Lake) and Jordan Blake (Houston) received the honor. English received the “Top Gun” leaps and jumps award.

Blinn dance won the Division II/III title and was named the “Game Day” winner, which pits all schools against one another, regardless of division. Blinn was named best all-around team for posting the top score of the entire camp. Dance received a gold paid bid to Nationals, which means it gets five hotel rooms paid for during nationals.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit: www.buccaneersports.com.