FAMU’s MEAC champion cheerleaders honored at Florida Capitol

Last week, Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) invited members of the FAMU cheerleading squad to the Florida House of Representatives for a special recognition of their triple win in the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Cheerleading Championship.

The cheerleading squad earned the three crowns: MEAC Co-Ed Champion squad, All-Star Champion and All-Around Champion for 2016.  Sporting the hardware, and a representative group from the squad, Head Coach Brandi Tatum and Assistant Coach Felicia Barnes were treated to a celebration of their championships.

“It’s unbelievable.  I think the team went out there and gave it their all and left it all on the mats.  I think to get to this place is what FAMU needed, it’s what this cheer program needed and we’re ready to begin a new year,” Tatum said.

Earning their way to the state capitol did not come without sacrifice.  One key cheerleader was missing from the squad and the other performers dug in and decided to work that much harder. 

“During warmup, Evelyn Ross pulled a muscle.  But, if you watch the video, she threw down her crutches and helped us win by completing the routine in excruciating pain,” Tatum said.

Williams, who contacted FAMU Athletics about bringing in the cheerleading champions for the final day of the 2016 session, presented the squad from the floor of the house.

“As I began to walk to the house floor for the last time, I began to think about where it all began for me.  It was Florida A&M University.  To be on the last day of my eighth year in the Florida Legislature, to make this my last comment as a state legislator, to recognize the Florida A&M University Cheerleaders, at the end of the day it’s appropriate.  All of the Rattlers who are in the Florida House of Representatives Mia Jones, Bobby Powell, Arthenia Joyner, Shevrin Jones the FAMU senators and I are all cheerleaders for FAMU.  And we believe that the pathway that got us here all started with the first brick being put down at FAMU.  It’s very humbling to have this opportunity,” Williams said.

FAMU cheerleader Courtni Smith, who was crowned MEAC All-Star (Individual) Champion, was overjoyed with the whole week of activities. 

“The experience was a nervous one.  We had one of our main backspotters get hurt, so I was working hard for our squad, but also for my best friend.  Coming back with the win was amazing…it was the cherry on top.  To finally get recognized for the hard work we put into this.  People don’t realize the effort it takes to make a good performance.  We sweat, we get hurt just like any other athlete.  I’m just excited to get this level of recognition for something we’ve done,” she said.

Daren Williams, a member of the champion co-ed squad was equally as pleased with the week.

“This feels awesome.  A lot of time and hard work was put into this routine and we went out there and did our thing.  We performed very well.  Even with our injuries, we pushed through and we’re winners.  It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears.  I am happy that we were recognized for what we did.  We definitely put in the work to win it,” Williams said.