GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The 2015-16 Tusculum College spirit squad recently traveled to Johnson City, Tennessee to participate in the four-day Universal Cheerleaders Association / Universal Dance Association regional camp and was presented with several awards.

The Pioneer spirit squad is made up of cheerleaders, dancers and mascots, and is coached by Jessica Buxton-Inscore. 17 members of the squad represented Tusculum at the event and received instruction from top members of the UCA and UDA. Throughout the event TC competed against teams from across the country and all divisions of the NCAA.

Overall, Tusculum was presented with seven superior ribbons and four excellent ribbons from judges following various routines and dances. The Pioneers also earned the UCA Superior Spirit Award and the UDA Superior Spirit Award.

Tusculum competed in the Division II Small School category and was the overall winner of the 2015 UCA / UDA Game Plan award, which honored excellence in leadership, entertainment, athletic ability, being ambassadors for the sport and ability to raise spirits.

TC placed high in numerous categories in the division including third place in fight song, cheer, and overall gamed day presentation while finishing fourth in sideline presentation. The Pioneers also earned the UDA Most Improved award.

The Tusculum spirit squad will begin its season on the sidelines of the Pioneers' home football opener on Sept. 12 against Virginia State. The squad will appear at every home football and men's and women's basketball contests, as well as various road games. They will also make appearances at numerous events for all of Tusculum's 16 varsity sports and special campus events.