Local Cheer Gym to Compete at The D2 Summit Competition

his season, the Reefs, Bullsharks and Great White squads, all composed of athletes ages 7-18 years old, have compiled numerous First Place Trophies, Grand Champion Banners, and received GOLD Bids to U.S. Finals in Pensacola, Florida to go along with the program’s top goal being awarded a D2 Summit bid. Photo courtesy of Oxford Cheer.

Oxford Cheer and Tumble, a local cheerleading training facility, announced that 3 of their teams have been selected to compete at one of the nation’s most prestigious cheerleading competitions for small gyms, The D2 Summit, produced by Varsity All Star.

Held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex at the Walt Disney World® Resort May 10-12, The D2 Summit is the season-capping goal for many competitive All Star teams.

Gyms that compete in Division 2 or D2 only train 125 athletes or less annually, modeled on Division II universities that tend to have fewer students than Division I schools. The 2018 D2 Summit showcased over 1,000 teams and 24,000 competitors from across the United States.

“Teams competing at The D2 Summit must receive a bid at a prior competition to be eligible to participate,” said Brian Elza, co-general manager for Varsity All Star, which is comprised of multiple All Star competition brands under the Varsity Spirit umbrella. “That’s what makes The D2 Summit so rewarding for the competitors. If they don’t climb their way to the top throughout their season, they won’t make it to The Summit.”

The Oxford Cheer Sharks were one of the many teams that were able to climb to the top this season. This season, the Reefs, Bullsharks and Great White squads, all composed of athletes ages 7-18 years old, have compiled numerous First Place Trophies, Grand Champion Banners, and received GOLD Bids to U.S. Finals in Pensacola, Florida to go along with the program’s top goal being awarded a D2 Summit bid.

“Our kids have worked extremely hard, not only this season, but previous seasons and began in our Beginner Tumbling program,” said Zach Lee, owner of Oxford Cheer. “We are so proud of our athletes and coaches; they truly deserve this experience as it is one of a kind in our industry.

Lee said the program extends a thank you to all the parents and the community for its tremendous support this season. The program invites everyone to the cheer squads’ send-off on Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m.

All Star cheerleading is a discipline of cheerleading that is open to all ages and skill levels, according to Tres LeTard, co-general manager for Varsity All Star.

“We like to think of all star cheerleading as the most inclusive sport available to young athletes. The D2 Summit provides a place for all of them to shine,” he said.

The Oxford Cheer Sharks will be competing May 10-12. Fans at home can watch a live stream of the event on Varsity TV on Varsity.com.

Oxford Cheer (OC), which opened in 2009, is currently in its 9th season of competitive All Star. In 2018, OC had 7 teams that ranged in age and talent level to compete across Novice, Prep, and Elite All Star divisions.

Having 5 teams eligible for Summit, the Sharks have 3 teams with awarded bids this season which is a tremendous accomplishment and testament to our program’s training regimen and the work ethic that our coaches and athletes bring to the gym every day, Lee said.

“It’s sports. Changing teammates/teams doesn’t always produce an All Star team. Comradery and trust in your teammates are crucial to being successful in what we do,” Lee said. “We’ve had a lot of comradery lately and that is a testament to our parents providing a strong foundation and being just as committed as their athlete; everyone understanding that we are in this together and our coaches are going to coach positively to help our athletes reach the utmost potential.”

For more information on The D2 Summit please visit Varsity.com. If your child is interested in becoming an All Star cheerleader, please visit oxfordcheerandtumble.com.

Courtesy of Oxford Cheer