Wawasee senior Raven Brown, center, has signed to take part in the Trine University Acro and Tumbling program. Photos provided

SYRACUSE – Earlier this spring, Wawasee High School announced it was sending senior Aundreya Wegener to Trine University to take part in the Thunder’s inaugural acrobatics and tumbling program. Wegener is going to have some familiar company joining her in Angola.

Wegener, senior gymnast and cheerleader, will have fellow cheerleaders Brayanna Kelly and Raven Brown alongside for the program’s first season. Kelly and Brown both committed to Trine to continue their tumbling and academic careers.

Wawasee senior Brayanna Kelly has signed to take part in the Trine University Acro and Tumbling program.

Kelly and Brown were both sideline cheerleaders for Wawasee this year, Kelly also competing with the Wawasee competition squad. Wawasee head coach Chelsea Coy noted both have big stunt program abilities, which are taylor-made for what Trine is putting together in its inaugural program.

“Brayanna and Raven were both four-year cheerleaders at Wawasee and I fully believe the commitment they showed for our program is something that Trine will benefit from,” said Wawasee cheer coach Chelsea Coy. “They are both natural performers and love being able to showcase their skills in front of a crowd.

“Brayanna has excelled in the stunting portion of our program as a base, especially in the elite and transitional styles. She has great technique and Trine will benefit immensely from her experience and willingness to learn and try new things.

“Raven performed as a flyer and base for us at Wawasee. She has experience with a two person style of stunting and acro has a lot of that style, so her experience is something Trine will be able to build off of. She is versatile and Trine will be able to utilize just that ability alone.”

Brown stated Trine coach Kati Horstmann found her, and the rest as they say, is history.

“She thought I could make a good asset to the team,” Brown said. “I then looked into Trine and how good Trine’s criminal justice program was. I was a cheerleader all four years of high school, and I partner stunted which is very similar to the acro and tumbling.

Brown is looking to study criminal justice at Trine, and currently carries at 6.48 GPA (on a 12-scale).

Kelly did not indicate her decision for a major.

“I’m very excited about signing both Brayanna Kelly and Raven Brown,” Horstmann said Monday morning. “Brayanna Kelly is a very strong base and will greatly help the team as an acro specialist. She is a very positive athlete that is dedicated to what she does, and will help build the foundation of the program. I foresee Brayanna being a huge asset to the team as a powerhouse base and vocal leader.

“Raven Brown will also be an acro specialist, but as a top,” continued Horstmann. “Her experience as a top will greatly impact the team, and her encouraging and caring attitude will help create a positive culture. I believe Raven will strengthen the team with her skill set and determination.”