HCU Cheerleaders & Mascot Help Kick Off Fox & Friends 'America 250 Tour”

The Spirit Team at Houston Christian University (HCU) helped kick off the first leg of Fox & Friends "America 250 Tour" on April 24 at Armadillo Palace in Houston.

The six leg cross-country RV tour, celebrating the nation's upcoming 250^th anniversary, will feature live broadcasts from Lenexa, Kansas, Destin, Florida, Jekyll Island, Georgia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wildwood, New Jersey leading up to the milestone July 4^th holiday.

Jenna Haynes, HCU Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheer Coach, called the invitation to take part in the event "an honor" and "incredibly meaningful." She received an email on Tuesday from one of the show's producers and by Friday had rallied HCU's Spirit Team into formation to do what they do best - infuse their spirit, energy and excitement to help kick off the show's national tour in a early morning live broadcast.

At the opening of the show, Mingo and members of HCU's cheer team, formed a spirit tunnel, welcoming Fox & Friends co-hosts, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, Lawrence Jones and Brian Kilmeade, as they stepped out of an RV, escorted by horseback riders from Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol, representing the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

During the broadcast, HCU cheerleaders, comprised of Angel Atiyota, Karina Burgos, Olivia Cameron, Allie Galloway, Lexy Merchant and DeLaynee Puente, were interviewed by Doocy, and shared their thoughts on taking part in the event During the broadcast, HCU cheerleaders, comprised of Angel Atiyota, Karina Burgos, Olivia Cameron, Allie Galloway, Lexy Merchant and DeLaynee Puente, were interviewed by Doocy, and shared their thoughts on taking part in the event as well as some of their memories of traveling in RVs with their own families.

The opportunity enabled the team to represent the University and experience a moment that celebrates both tradition and community on a national stage.

"As a program, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a significant event. We believe this moment is a reflection of God's faithfulness and His continued guidance over our team," said Haynes.

"To have our athletes participate in a celebration connected to our nation's milestone anniversary is both humbling and inspiring. Our prayer is that everything we do points back to Him, using this platform to glorify God while representing our program and community with purpose and integrity.

DeLaynee Puente, a graduating senior, shared "it was the best way to end her time here at a program that had already given her so many incredible opportunities and memories."

The cheerleaders listened to a performance by Houston country singer and songwriter, Rich O'Toole, enjoyed a culinary experience from Backyard Pitmasters Barbecue and Brisket U and cheered on racers in the Armadillo Races sponsored by Swift Sparks, co-owner of the Sparks Agency.