While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Public Relations emphasis, Hawai‘i Pacific University alumnus Travis Thomason stayed very active as a member of the national champion HPU Cheer Team. From 2004 to 2007, Thomason was also the assistant coach for the award-winning HPU Large Coed and Small Coed Cheer Teams. Meanwhile, another cheer program was being formed that would lead Thomason to share his talents after he graduated from HPU.

 

The HPU Small Coed Cheer Team were the champions of the 2007 National Cheerleaders Association Competition. Pictured (far right in green shirt): HPU alumnus Travis Thomason, assistant coach for the HPU Large Coed and Small Coed Cheer Teams from 2004-2007, is currently program director of Cheer 808 Inc.

 

Cheer 808 Inc. is a non-profit organization for Hawai‘i’s youth ages four to 18. It was founded by Lynn Barbasa and opened in April 2006. “Her vision was to build a powerhouse cheer program for local athletes that could prepare them for college and serve as a segue to higher education through cheerleading scholarships,” Thomason said.

When Thomason was approaching graduation in 2007, he realized Cheer 808 was the only facility of its kind in the state, and he shared the vision to build the program. “The kids in Cheer 808 obviously possessed the passion, work ethic and talent it takes to get to the top. I felt if we built it, they would come,” he said.

Cheer 808 athletes demonstrate their skills at the 16th Annual Children and Youth Day held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in Honolulu.

Thomason now serves as program director at Cheer 808 and is responsible for organization, development and management of programs. He also works with staff to implement public relations and marketing strategies, and assists with financial management and fundraising initiatives. He said his education at HPU offered him the skills he needed to take on the challenges of sustaining a new business. 

“There are so many aspects that go into running a successful business,” Thomason said. “HPU provided me with a great academic environment that included a deep local and global perspective. Each course I took offered me a knowledge and insight I had never experienced.”

Thomason said he also learned an invaluable lesson from HPU President Chatt G. Wright.

“President Wright taught me to seize opportunity,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to attend HPU, and it provided me with the chance to utilize my passion and further my education.”

Cheer 808 has grown from 30 to 120 athletes, and has gone from working with one local high school to team training more than 15 schools on three different islands.

“I have four-year-old kids coming up to me and saying, ‘Did you know I am going to be an HPU Cheerleader?’ I have seen kids acquire new skills at a rapid rate, and seen the look in parents’ eyes when their child accomplishes a long-term goal,” Thomason said.

Thomason said the expectations for Cheer 808’s athletes help create youth that are focused on academics, and are responsible for their community and dedicated to creating a bright future.

HPU is home to a consecutive national champion cheerleading squad and dance team. The HPU Large Coed Cheer Team has won seven straight national titles (2003-2009).  The HPU Small Coed Cheer Team has won four consecutive national titles (2005-2008). The HPU All-Girl Cheer Team won its first national title at the 2009 competition, and the HPU Dance Team has won four consecutive championships, totaling five titles overall (2004, 2006-2009).

For more information about the HPU Cheer Teams and available scholarships, visit www.hpu.edu/cheer  For more information about Cheer 808 Inc. visit www.cheer808.com.