RONDON JAMES

Cheerleading Coach

Rondon James is in his third season as head cheerleading coach at Tusculum College. Since taking over the program in 2003, the Pioneers have grown in numbers, athleticism and skill.

The Kingsport, Tenn. native boasts over 22 years coaching experience, including the last 16 serving as founder, owner and head coach of Top Gun Cheerleading LLC.

While at Top Gun, his teams have won 130 national championships, including the 2003 World Championship. Five hundred of his team members have earned high school All-American recognition.

He has served as a judge for the National Cheerleaders Association, where he has judged both high school and all-star nationals for several years. He has also judged for Cheer Limited, COA, ECA, U.S. Cheer, Pop Warner, American Championships and the World Spirit Federation.

James is a safety certified coach through USA Gymnastics and is certified with the NCA as a collegiate and secondary schools. He is also a national safety coach for the United States All-Star Safety Federation.

During his collegiate career, he cheered four seasons at East Tennessee State University, where he served as team captain.

He is married to the former Rachel Hale of Harlan, Ky., who also serves on the Top Gun staff. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Reagan, 13 and Rhyann, 2.

The James Family is members of the First Assembly of God in Kingsport.