Highlighting UofL Cheer Championships -- Charlie McAdams -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 UofL Cheer Takes Home Two Titles

As Paulie mentioned roughly a week ago on here, Louisville welcomed home two new titles recently. Louisville cheer took the crown with their All-Girl and Small Co-Ed squads. Due to the demanding schedule combined between fall and spring sports we did not get a true opportunity to highlight their accomplishments.

The Louisville spirit squads are well-known and can often be seen at football games, men's basketball games, women's basketball games, and various community outreach projects.

Louisville Cheer is broken into three groups: All-Girl, Small Co-Ed, and Large Co-Ed. The groups speak for themselves with All-Girl comprised of only women cheerleaders. Small Co-Ed and Large Co-Ed are a mixture of men and women cheerleaders with Large Co-Ed having more members. Each group can compete in a prelims and finals.

There is also the option for the cheerleaders to break into small four-person stunt groups, which is considered its own entity instead of an attachment directly to any of the cheer squads.

Louisville Ladybirds is the name of Louisville's dance team. They are not broken into groups like the cheerleaders. However, they compete in two different categories with Dance Team Performance and Dance Team Hip-Hop.

Earlier this month, all of the Louisville spirit squads traveled to Daytona for the NCA and NDA competitions. Like most years, the accolades came pouring in.

Louisville Large Co-Ed finished third in their division. The Ladybirds took second in both of their divisions. Louisville Cheer had a stunt group finish runner-up. Louisville All-Girl and Louisville Small Co-Ed each took home the title.

For Louisville All-Girl, this is their seventh straight national championship with a score of 95.5458. They beat out Oklahoma State by 1.5 points. They have won a total of 17 NCA Championships dating back to 1998.

Louisville Small Co-Ed saw their first national championship since 2017. After sitting in second after prelims, Small Co-Ed jumped ahead of Arkansas State to win with a score of 95.9709. Arkansas State finished well behind them by a margin of 6.1 points. This is their 11th NCA Championship dating back to 2005.

The routines performed by the groups is vastly different than what is seen at UofL games. At home games, UofL Cheer and Ladybirds are used more for entertainment and focused on energizing the crowd. During competitions, the groups focus on a much more strenuous and demanding routine with more tumbling and stunts.

Unlike most sports, these groups don't have a regular season or have multiple chances to qualify for the championships. What happens in prelims and finals at Daytona is all they get. These groups spend all year preparing for an event that happens over the span of a couple days.

Cardinal Couple had the opportunity to speak with Myah Rice, who recently won a national championship with Louisville All-Girl. Myah described the feeling of winning a title as well as the work they put in to get there.

As a site that prides itself on covering the Joy and Excitement of UofL Women's Sports we are thrilled to see these two UofL squads bring home the hardware to Louisville. Congratulations to both groups!

WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES...

You all know our illustrious and Volleyball-loving writer Jeff McAdams here at CARDINAL COUPLE. 

It is with our deepet sympathies and sad regret that we bring you the new that Jeff

s father -- Charlie McAdams-- has passed away. 

Charlie was 77 and a retired school teacher/ administrator  with the Jefferson County School Systems. A military veteran and college graduate from Western Kentucky, Charlie was married to his wife Vivian and had two sons, two grand-children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and former students. 

You can read the obituary at the link below: 

CHARLIE MCADAMS OBITUARY

From all of us at Cardinal Couple, our deepest sympathies on his passing to the family. If you'd like to leave a message for Jeff and the family in our comments section, or in the Dignity Memorial section, I'm sure that they would appreciate it. 

A Thoughtful Tuesday to you and Go Cards!

Jared

Softball Falls in Series Finale at GT -- Cheer Squads Win Championships -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 GEORGIA TECH RUN RULES SOFTBALL CARDS 12-2

What a difference a day makes in the sport of softball. Louisville had the bats working in fine fashion Saturday against the Yellow Jackets and the Cardinal pitchers held GT to just two runs in a 10-2 win.

Sunday was a different story. 

The Atlanta ACC member blasted Cardinal pitching for four home runs and held UofL batters to just two runs and four hits to take the series finale 12-2 on Sunday.  The series splits 2-2 for the squads -- Louisville drops to 15-17 overall now and 9-12 in ACC play and the Yellow Jackets go to 12-20 overall  and 6-16 in the ACC. 

The Cards got started on the right foot, with a 2-0 lead, going into the bottom of the third. Makayla Hurst singled in Carmyn Greenwood in the first inning for Louisville's first score and Taylor Roby crushed her 11th home run of the season in the third to make it 2-0.

Things changed in the bottom of the third, though. Tech plated four runs in that inning nd would plate four more runs in the fourth and fifth innings each to get the run-rule victory.

Taylor Roby was one of four Louisville pitchers to enter the circle and went three innings, allowing three runs on just two hits. Six walks helped GT's cause, though, and the Rambin' Wreck touched Gabby Holloway, Jen Leonhardt and Payton Hudson for the remainder of their run production. 

Blake Neleman went all five innings in the circle for GT, and improved to 6-5 on the season. 

Louisville returns home for a four-game series against Duke this upcoming weekend. Duke is in fourth place in the ACC standings with a 27-9, 15-9 mark. Five squads in the ACC have either eight or nine conference wins, the separating factor is in the number of losses each has.  Syracuse is 8-8, Notre Dame 9-10, North Carolina 8-9 and Virginia is in tenth place with a 9-16 ACC record. 

The top ten teams, figured by conference record percentage and the Cards currently sit in ninth place.  The qualifying teams will participate in the 2021 ACC Softball Tournament in Louisville, KY May 6th-9th.  The top six squads get a first round bye, while seeds #7-10 play on the first day to advance to the round of eight.

13 of the 15 ACC Conference members play softball -- Miami and Wake Forest do not field teams. 

CHEER SQUADS TAKE TWO TITLES

UofL's Spirit Squads took home first place in two of the six National Championship categories this weekend in Daytona Beach, FL

The All-Girl team won their 17th National Cheer Association title (NCA) since 1998, besting Oklahoma State, Iowa State, South Carolina and Missouri in the final five competition. 

The Small Co-Ed squad also grabbed the gold and won their division, beating out Arkansas St. and Coastal Carolina. 

In the other events: 

-- The Cards finished third in Large Co-Ed, behind Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

-- The Dance Team squad (the LadyBirds) placed second behind  South Carolina

-- The Hip-Hop Dance Team was second, behind BYU. 

-- Louisville had two teams n the Group Stunt performance and they grabbed second and fourth places. 

(I never knew there were so many different aspects of Cheer and Dance, but have certainly enjoyed their performances at UofL athletic events over the years.) Congratulations to all the participants and the winners !! 

Have a meaningful Monday! 

paulie

More on Todd Sharp -- Cards WBB making the grade -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

        TODD SHARP ENGAGED IN FISCAL MISCONDUCT

Our mission, here at Cardinal Couple, is to promote the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics. Some days, we take the good with the bad, though

University of Louisville women's dance coach, Todd Sharp, was let go after a six-month review found he "engaged in fiscal misconduct" after the team's deposits were over $40,000 less than expected, per a copy of his termination letter that was available from the University via open records policy. 

This investigation, performed by University of Louisville Audit Services, along with the University of Louisville Police Department, discovered deposit activity for the cheer and dance squads between May 2016 and October 2018 totaled $29,372. But, estimates show that amount, based on revenue-generating events, fundraising and other programs, should have totaled $70,000 between April 2017 and June 2018, according to a letter sent to Sharp and signed by UofL athletic director Vince Tyra.

Over $40,000. Money that went directly to Sharp in cash. That's a pretty nice yearly salary for some.

Is embezzlement too strong a word here? Pocketing money, raised -- in part by student-athletes -- but never reaching their financial institution. 

One more black eye, embarrassing situation that involves the name of UofL Athletics, who have received so many of these negative publicity items over the last couple of years. People who willingly and freely devoted time, efforts, financial contributions, goods and services to raise money for an on-campus activity and entity they believed in and supported were "ripped off". Student-athletes, lending their time and talents in the belief that what they were doing was benefiting the program and activities they participated in -- and part of the reason they were enrolled at UofL...finding out that part of their efforts were lining Sharp's pockets.

And, what did he do with the ill-gotten gains? 

Maybe, I don't want to know. Maybe we just leave this sordid story alone for awhile. For the joy and excitement that the LadyBirds have brought many a fan over the years with their dazzling routines and performances, now, we find that their leader was, basically, a crook. These student-athletes are victims as well. Not their fault. 

In the words of the late Jim Nabors, he of Gomer Pyle, USMC television fame: 

"Shameful, shameful, shameful"...Mr. Sharp. 

WBB CARDS MAKING THE GRADE ACADEMICALLY

Let's move on to good news. The Louisville women's basketball squad has their 2018 Fall Semester grades from academic pursuits back, and it's nearly as perfect as the squad's 11-0 record on the hardwood. 

The number is 3.264 (out of a possible 4.0). It's the fourth-highest semester average since Jeff Walz has piloted the program and the ninth-straight semester that women's basketball has topped the 3.0 mark. 

Asia Durr, Lindsey Duvall, Dana Evans and Sam Fuehring all topped the 3.5 mark and were named to the Dean's List. 

The other players on the squad were 3.0 or better. A total of eight Cardinals earned the prestigious Red and Black Scholar Athlete status (3.25 or better) cumulative GPA. 

Quite the academic feat for the women's basketball team. Being a student-athlete can be difficult, trying to attend classes, study, prepare assignments and such while practicing fast breaks, defense, taking extended road trips and spending a lot of time (voluntary as well as practice-oriented) in the facility formerly known as "the little Yum"...working on their respective game and technique. 

Ahead for these academic-excellent student-athletes is a trip to Mt. Pleasant, MI to play the Central Michigan Chippewas on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

A preview of that contest for you tomorrow morning. Paulie brings you the article...as Jared wanders the Southeast regions of our nation with his g/f Katie and Case can proudly mouth The Lonely Island "I'm On A Boat" lyrics with his wife Lindsey...enjoying a tropical cruise.

Hey, someone had to stay in town and feed the chimps plus respond to the comments. Between Worldwide and me, the realm of Cardinal Couple remains secure and, well, as crazy and entertaining as usual.

Paulie

Four National Championships -- A Look Ahead to the Weekend -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cheer and Dance Add Hardware to the Trophy Case

Louisville may have lost an NCAA Championship recently, but they can add four national championships awarded by the NCA and NDA.  The cheerleaders and Ladybirds returned home from Daytona recently with plenty of hardware.

The Louisville large co-ed and all-girl groups won their respective divisions, with the large co-ed winning their 18th title.  This year was the 20th anniversary of all-girl beginning competitions in Daytona.  The small co-ed finished fourth, a bit lower than planned, but still an honorable mention and impressive result.

The Ladybirds competed in two genres: team and hip-hop.  Unsurprisingly, they won both, marking the third straight year they claimed the double-title.

In the Todd Sharp era the Louisville spirit groups have been dominant, constructing a dynasty that even UConn women's basketball would have a tough time matching up to.

Despite not being one of the official 21 Division 1 sports at UofL we want to extend a huge congratulations to the cheerleaders and Ladybirds.  While most of us have the option of missing out on a football or basketball game every once in a while the spirit groups are always in attendance and ready to put on a show.

Women's Soccer Schedule Change

Originally scheduled to have a home spring match tonight, the women's soccer team has had a schedule change.  Instead of playing at home they will now hit the road for a Friday night match.  The reasoning behind the last minute change is unknown, but presumed to be either weather or travel-related.

WBB Recognized at Baseball

Prior to the start of last night's Louisville baseball game there was a ceremonial first pitch.  In honor of their first ever ACC regular season championship and ACC tournament championship and their third Final Four appearance the women's basketball team was honored in front of the crowd of just north of 2,000.

Photo courtesy of Alexia Byrnes

Half of the team was in attendance with the other half including Jeff Walz MIA.  Myisha Hines-Allen and Jazmine Jones took to the mound to give us a glimpse of their best fastball.  Myisha's was a strike right down the middle while Jaz's throw was a two-hopper to the catcher's mitt.

The team is also rumored to be a part of the Pegasus Parade, but not as the Grand Marshall.

Saturday's Psychotic Schedule

WCHQ fm every Saturday 11-12

After enjoying another session of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour you can hit up Floyd Street for an unreal number of home events.  Due to the high number of events I find it easier to break down the schedule below:

10:00 - Track & Field Louisville Invitational, all day

12:00 - Lacrosse vs Virginia (Senior Day)

6:30 - Volleyball vs Butler Spring Game

7:00 - Men's Soccer vs Lindsey Wilson Spring Match


NOTE: Football has moved the Spring Game to Friday Night, 7:30 p.m. due to expected inclement weather on Saturday. 

All of these events are on Floyd Street and have free admission.  Bring your walking shoes and a snack because it's set to be a long day.  You can catch me with my camera at all of the events except for football.  If I'm passed out on the sidewalk before the day ends just leave me be and I'll be up and at 'em eventually.

The weather, as of now, looks like actual spring weather, with highs reaching almost 80 here in Louisville and a chance of rain Saturday night.



JOIN MYISHA! 

Myisha Hines-Allen wants you to come join her Thursday, April 12th from 7-10 p.m. for the WNBA Draft. She's making it a fundraiser for the Louisville Metro Parks Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) program. AIR is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of recreational activities for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities and their families.  

The "watch" will be held at the Berrytown Recreation Center, located at 1300 Heafer Rd, in Louisville. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. 

Read all about it at the link below: 

Myisha Draft Day Fundraiser


A great day to help out an organization near and dear to her heart. A wonderful gesture from a woman who gave her all for Cardinal WBB for four years. We encourage you to attend or donate! 


HAVE YOU SEEN? 

We have a new column over on "The Right Side of the Site". It is TODAY'S LEXOPHILE. We'll change it up daily, with a different picture from our vast database. Today's entry is posted. It involves police at a daycare. Seems a three year old was "resisting a rest." 

We love "plays on words" 

If you got one, share it with us.

Leave it in the comments section or e-mail it to me directly at
cardinalcouple@twc.com 

AND...TODAY IS: 


Enjoy your Wednesday and Happy National Pets Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, and International "Louie Louie" Day.

I guess that means you'd be in perfect alignment if you grabbed your cat, went to join up with the gang and broke into the Kingsman's immortal song in four-part harmony. Let me know, I'll try and stop by and take pictures of it if you do.

LINK:

LOUIE, LOUIE

- Jared -