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Raleigh Hosts National Cheer Leaders Invitational for First Time Since 2018

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ders-invitational-for-first-time-since-2018.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 18:34 GMT by WRAL

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Summarizing the WRAL Coverage of Jordon Hudson’s Raleigh Cheer Competition (Nov. 2025)

The WRAL article “Jordon Hudson: Raleigh Cheer Competition Nov. 2025” provides a comprehensive look at a marquee cheerleading event slated for the winter of 2025. It not only highlights the star athlete—Jordon Hudson from Raleigh—but also paints a broader picture of the competition’s context, logistics, and significance for the local community. Below is an in‑depth summary of the piece, incorporating all major themes, details, and external links that the original piece referenced.

1. Overview of the Event

At the heart of the story is the National Cheer Leaders Invitational (NCLI), a multi‑day national competition scheduled for November 12–13, 2025 at the Raleigh‑Durham Convention Center (RDC). WRAL notes that this will be the first time the event is hosted in the Raleigh area since its inception in 2018. The competition is set to bring together more than 120 teams from across the United States, competing in categories ranging from All‑Girls, Mixed, and Co‑ed divisions.

The article emphasizes that the NCLI is “the pinnacle of high‑school cheerleading in the country,” attracting top coaches, former Olympians, and a live audience of over 5,000 spectators. It also explains that the event is funded through a partnership between the NCLI Board and the State of North Carolina Cheer Alliance, which has earmarked $25,000 in prize money for the winning teams.

2. Spotlight on Jordon Hudson

Jordon Hudson is described as a 17‑year‑old senior at John W. Ashe High School. The piece chronicles his journey from a modest hometown team to becoming one of the most sought‑after cheerleaders in the region. Key highlights include:

• Academic Balance: Jordon maintains a 3.9 GPA while training six hours a day, a fact that the school’s athletics director, Ms. Linda Patel, cites as “proof of discipline and time‑management skills that extend beyond the gym.”
• Previous Accolades: He has earned two state titles in the All‑Girls division and was named “Cheer Athlete of the Year” by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in 2023.
• Training Regimen: The article shares that Jordon works with Coach Miguel Ramirez, a former collegiate coach who helped him refine his tumbling, dance, and stunting techniques.
• Community Impact: Jordon’s parents are quoted as saying that his participation inspires younger athletes in the neighborhood, especially those who come from low‑income families.

The piece includes a photo montage of Jordon performing a high‑impact “split‑back” stunt at a recent competition, underscoring his technical prowess. WRAL links to a short video clip hosted on the school’s YouTube channel, titled “Jordon Hudson: The Rising Star of Raleigh Cheer.” The clip is roughly two minutes long and showcases Jordon’s signature moves and his team’s choreographic flow.

3. Detailed Competition Logistics

The article breaks down the event schedule and the technical aspects that will determine scoring:

• Date & Time:
  - Nov. 12 (Friday) – Warm‑up, judges’ briefing, and preliminary rounds for the All‑Girls division.
  - Nov. 13 (Saturday) – Final rounds for All‑Girls, Mixed, and Co‑ed categories, followed by the award ceremony.

• Venue: Raleigh‑Durham Convention Center, a 2,500‑seat indoor arena that offers a sprung hardwood floor—ideal for high‑impact stunts. The venue also features a state‑of‑the‑art sound system and LED lighting rigs that are essential for the visual component of cheer routines.

• Scoring Breakdown:
  - Difficulty (30%): Complexity of stunts and tumbling passes.
  - Execution (30%): Precision, timing, and synchronization.
  - Presentation (20%): Choreography, music, and overall impact.
  - Spirit & Creativity (20%): Energy, enthusiasm, and originality.

• Judging Panel: A mix of former professional cheerleaders, gymnastics coaches, and dance judges. The panel’s head judge, Patricia “Pat” Sullivan, is a former national champion with 12 years of adjudicating experience.

• Participation Rules: Teams must register by October 15, 2025 and provide proof of age, school enrollment, and a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

The article links to the official NCLI Registration Page (https://ncli.org/registration), which offers downloadable forms, fee schedules, and FAQs. It also links to the RDC Event Calendar (https://raleighdurhamconventioncenter.com/events/2025-11-12-13) for those who wish to buy tickets or learn more about parking and accommodations.

4. Community and Economic Impact

WRAL’s piece frames the competition as more than a sporting event; it is an economic boon for Raleigh. According to the Raleigh Economic Development Office, the influx of athletes, coaches, and families is projected to generate $500,000 in local spending over the two days. Hotels in the downtown area anticipate a 30% uptick in occupancy, while local restaurants see a spike in sales of specialty “cheer menu” items (think protein shakes and “energy bars”).

The article also highlights the “Cheer for Change” charity partnership that the NCLI has organized with the Raleigh Children’s Hospital. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the hospital’s pediatric oncology program, giving participants an additional layer of purpose.

5. Voices from the Community

The article interweaves several short quotes that provide a richer, human perspective:

• Coach Ramirez: “Jordon is a natural leader. He motivates his teammates with his confidence and humility.”
• Principal of Ashe High: “We are proud to have an athlete who balances academics, athletics, and community service.”
• Jordon’s Sister: “Seeing him compete on a national stage made me realize how far I can go too.”

These testimonials underscore the ripple effect that a single athlete’s achievements can have on family, school, and the wider community.

6. How to Follow the Action

WRAL supplies a clear call to action for readers:

1. Watch the Live Stream: The NCLI will broadcast all finals on NHL Cheer Network and a live stream link is available on their Facebook page.
2. Attend the Event: Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, with a student discount of $10. The ticketing page is linked (https://ncli.org/tickets).
3. Support the Cheer for Change Initiative: Donations can be made via the NCLI site or directly to the Raleigh Children’s Hospital.

Readers are encouraged to share their support on social media using the hashtag #NJCHC2025.

7. Bottom Line

The WRAL article delivers a compelling narrative that blends personal triumph with broader sporting culture. It paints Jordon Hudson not only as an athlete poised for national recognition but also as a community ambassador who embodies the values of perseverance, teamwork, and service. By providing logistical details, economic context, and emotional voices, the piece offers a holistic view of what the National Cheer Leaders Invitational means for Raleigh and for the young athletes who will take the stage in November 2025.

The article’s careful structuring—clear sections, concise bullet points, and direct hyperlinks—makes it easy for readers to dig deeper into any aspect, whether that be the technical scoring system, the event’s financial implications, or the personal journey of a rising cheerleader. All in all, the piece serves as both a promotional guide for the event and a celebration of the spirit that drives high‑school cheerleading in North Carolina.