Friday, April 10, 2015

From Rags To Riches

I wanted to share a story about how ACE Cheer Company has impacted my life for the better. I started my career with ACE Cheer Company around 7 years ago while I was a student/athlete at Jacksonville State University. When I approached this (what I thought was just small) gym in Gadsden, AL, I had no clue what changes were about to happen to me! After my interview and first week on the job, I shamefully approach my new boss (JR Zeringue/owner) and wife (Kelley Zeringue) and came clean to the fact that I had been living out of my car and had nowhere to go. Without hesitation they both said, “Here’s our address. You’re staying with us now.” JR added,”…and we’ll leave the light on for ya!”
Once I was on my feet and made enough to rent an apartment, I left the Zeringue household. Over the next year or so, I had struggles with partying and plenty of other temptations. When such escapades started to affect my job, JR pulled me into his office. The only thing on my mind was that I just lost my job. Instead, JR gave me a second chance. After spending more and more time with the company, I grew closer and closer with GOD, leading to my baptism courtesy of JR.  A very proud day indeed. Shortly after, while I was still cheering at Jacksonville State University, a situation occurred to where the university changed from coed to all-girl. This put me out of school for a semester. This leads to the next ACE chapter…
On one random afternoon, while playing basketball, Dan Harrod called me up and asked if I wanted to transfer schools and cheer at NCA nationals with Wallace State Community College. I replied, “Sure! I’ll be at practice tomorrow.” So I picked my life up and moved to Hanceville, AL. Being such a great and vast company, ACE was more than happy to transfer me to the Birmingham location. I cheered at Wallace for a semester and got 3rd at NCA Nationals the first year Wallace competed NCA. During this time I tried out at the University of Louisville and made the team. At that time, ACE needed help in my home town of Atlanta for the summer. ACE of Atlanta was such a fun experience working with the coaches and developing great relationships with the athletes.
Dead set on pursuing my chance of a lifetime to cheer for Louisville, I get a phone call from Happy Hooper. He calls to offer me a position at a brand new location opening up in Mississippi. Hearing all the news about this Mississippi location, I still replied, “No.” A month went by of Happy calling and me shooting him down. Finally I gave in and decidee to take the job. ACE of Atlanta was not thrilled with me leaving. The kids decided to pie me in the face at ACE skills camp out of vengeance! ACE Skills Camp was my first time meeting my new co-workers, who I had to room with the whole time…awkward. This soon passed, and I made great friends within ACE of Hattiesburg. Throughout the course of working at ACE of Hattiesburg, Brandon Roberts has been a huge help in helping me reach my goal of coming out of debt and grabbing hold of my life. He so graciously loaned me money to pay off countless bills I had acquired, totaling about $8,500. After about 3 years, I had completely paid him off. We also work hand-in-hand to coach our Worlds 5 team, the Chiefs, whose team members I would do anything for. Working in Hattiesburg has also opened other doors, such as becoming the assistant coach at Jones County Junior College. I have truly been blessed.
And so the final chapter begins…

Over the course of my time at ACE Cheer Company, I had gotten myself in and out of a few pickles to say the least. But if it weren’t for the people I met and the relationships developed in the company, there is no telling where I would be or what I would be doing with my life. Up until a few months ago, I was overwhelmed in debt from previous years as a dumb college kid. Due to the help of Happy Hooper, JR Zeringue, and Brandon Roberts, I was able to change my life around in a full 180. Now I am out of debt and a director in the company. To be honest, if I were working for any other job I would have been fired probably 7 years ago. JR, Happy, and Brandon somehow saw the true person I could be and kept giving me chances and guiding me in the correct path. So from living out of my car and on Ramen noodles to only worrying about what is next on my bucket list to check off, I am extremely thankful to ACE Cheer Company and the people who helped me along the way.

Travis Baker




Thursday, April 9, 2015

Competitive Gymnast Kylie Cupp Interviews with INSIDE THE TRIBE

Recently ACE Cheer Company's publication, INSIDE THE TRIBE sat down with Gadsden Competitive Gymnast Kylie Cupp.  You'll be able to see her article in the upcoming issue of the magazine, but here's a sneak peak at her interview.  Team Selections for Competitive Gymnastics at ACE of Gadsden will take place on Saturday May 2. For more information visit www.acegadsdne.com or contact Director of Gymnastics, Thereasa Willis:  256-442-4200


ITT:  When did you become interested in Gymnastics?

Kylie:  I was five years old when I began taking gymnastics classes.  I was flipping everywhere, so my mom decided to sign me up for some recreational classes.  My first class I was actually able to move up to Level 2 and in one year, I was able to achieve Level 5.

ITT:  How much time and effort do you put into your training?

Kylie:  It takes a lot of time and dedication to be a gymnast.  I train more than 9 hours a week in the gym and I am constantly working on things at home.  It is a year round sport, so little downtime.  I love it.

ITT:  Do you have a favorite apparatus?

Kylie:  Bars are totally my fave!

ITT:  Is there someone in the industry who inspires you, a competitor, Olympian, etc.?

Kylie:  Gabby Douglas is an inspiration.

ITT:  Tell us about your family support?

Kylie:  I have two sisters, Joeley and Briah.  My Mom and grandparents are so supportive of my athletic career.  My Dad passed away from cancer a couple of years ago.  He was my biggest fan.  He taught me himself how to do a Back Handpring and Back Tuck on the beach!  Even our vacation time has been spent working on gymnastics.

ITT:  Where do you attend school?

Kylie:  Jacksonville Christian Academy and I’m in the 7th grade this year.

ITT:  Do you have a favorite memory from your athletic career so far?

Kylie:  My favorite memory to this point is winning the Gold on beam.  It was exciting!
ITT:  Do you have a favorite quote that you allow to just swirl around in your head when you face obstacles?

Kylie:  Never give up, work hard, and you will accomplish anything!  I draw my strength from Jesus and I love the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

ITT:  Clearly, you are dedicated to gymnastics and growing your athletic career, what hobbies or other fun things do you enjoy during your downtime?

Kylie:  I love being at the river, skiing, riding sea doos, etc.  I also love the beach!

Kylie Cupp
Age:  13

Level 8 Gymnast