Russell County’s own Zach Grider recently traveled with the University of Louisville Spirit Squad to compete in the NCA Collegiate Cheer National Championship as the Cardinal Bird mascot.

Last year Grider was put on the floor as a freshman, which is a rare occurrence. He came back with a national title with the Small Co-Ed Division IA team.

This year he returned to the mat with the Small Co-Ed but also added the All Girl Division to his teams. Both teams came back with national championship titles in Division IA, which was a huge honor considering the past year both teams had received a runner-up placement compared to many consecutive years of being national champions.

U of L came through and won a clean sweep in every event they were competing in. These include Large Co-Ed Division IA, Small Co-Ed Division IA, All Girl Division IA, and also in the dance division IA.

Zach, a sophomore, said he was very excited about winning two titles this year and hopes to compete in the mascot division again next year as junior.