Bruce Bills: 2018 STUNT College Coach Of The Year

STUNT is sweeping the nation as teams from across the country are participating in this evolving sport. STUNT, the fastest growing female sport in the country, just wrapped up another successful 2017-18 season.

This year's college national championship was held at Michigan State University. Each season, one collegiate coach is awarded the STUNT coach of the year. This year's recipient was Texas Tech University's head cheer and mascot coach, Bruce Bills.

 

TTU spirit coordinator Stephanie Rhode and coach Bills. Photo by Robert Rhode

Bruce is entering is 16th season coaching the Red Raiders. He was a member of the TTU coed squad in 2003-2006 and went on to become the assistant cheer coach from 2006-2011. Since 20111, Bruce has been the head cheer/STUNT coach.

We caught up with coach Bills to hear how he felt after being presented with this prestigious award.

How did you feel when you found out that you were named STUNT coach of the year?

I was completely shocked! I didn’t expect it but was extremely honored to have my name called out. No one clued me in what was going on, which made the surprise even better!

How long has TTU participated in STUNT?

This was our second year to competing in STUNT. Last year we ended the season in third, this year fourth in Division I.

What is your favorite part about coaching a STUNT team?

I really like the strategy behind STUNT. Teams have a chance to control the game by calling their strongest routines. My favorite feature of STUNT is the technical side and how detailed every motion has to be. This aspect has helped me grow as a coach as well as the team.

TTU is already looking forward to the '18-19 STUNT season. Coach Bills is excited to have 25 talented athletes on the team this season. This is the most that the all girl team has ever had and he thinks that it is going to set them up for success in STUNT. 

Bills thinks that having additional athletes will help balance out how much each athlete is used during a game. 

"Our first year, we had a squad of 18, which was a quick realization for us that we needed more the following year," he said. "The talent that came through tryouts gave us even more excitement and the opportunity to take more, talented all-around STUNT athletes."

Look out for big things from the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the upcoming STUNT season!