HILLSBORO, Kan. - Tabor College President Jules Glanzer announced that Jeremy Nigh has been named the new head coach of the Bluejays' cheerleading squad and Academic Media and Marketing Coordinator.

"Jeremy brings a high level of expertise and experience to our cheer team," said Vice President of Athletics Rusty Allen. "He is not only an accomplished cheerleader but has taught cheer all over the country. Combine his expertise with his desire to see young men and women grow in Christ and we have good reason to be excited."

Nigh spent one season as a cheerleader at Northwest Missouri State University where he helped lead the Bearcats to a fifth place finish at the NCAA Division II National Competition in 2006 before transferring to Oral Roberts University. During his four-year career as a member of the Golden Eagles Cheer squad, Nigh helped lead his team to a third place finish in 2007 and an eighth place finish in 2008 in the intermediate division at the national competition. Nigh received his bachelor's degree in drama, television and film performance from Oral Roberts University in 2010.

Prior to coming to Tabor, Nigh has served as both a cheerleading instructor at the junior high and high school level, and a tumbling coach at both All-Star Tumbling and Cheer Dynamix. He has spent the past five years working for the National Cheerleaders Association as an instructor advancing to a head instructor position.

During his time at the NCA, Nigh has been named the Most Improved Rookie Instructor and the Top Rookie Instructor in 2006, and the Most Dedicated Veteran Instructor and Top Veteran Instructor in 2007 and 2008. He was also selected as a member of the NCA special events staff in 2008, and was appointed as the NCA head instructor in 2009.

During his career, he has helped kids perform gymnastic and tumbling techniques including jumps and motion stunts safely and effectively while helping cheerleaders perfect techniques and learn new skills.

"I am really excited and truly blessed about the opportunity to come here and work for Tabor College," said head cheerleading coach Jeremy Nigh. "I feel that this year will be a great year for not only the cheer team but for all Bluejay athletics. The cheer team will also be competing in cheer competitions starting this year. It will be the first time that Tabor has ever done this. It marks a whole new chapter for Bluejay cheer."