Upper Iowa Spirit Squads Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Is Cheerleading part of the Athletic Department?Cheerleading at UIU is a Varsity Sport under the direction of the Athletic Department. Though it is not an NCAA sanctioned sport, UIU Spirit Squad members must comply with eligibility requirements.
What sports do you cheer for?We cheer at all home and away football games. We cheer at all home women and men’s basketball games, select away games and post season tournaments. We also cheer at select home volleyball games.
Do you compete?Yes, UIU Cheer is also a competitive program. We compete locally, regionally, and on the national level.
Can I cheer for only one sport?The Cheerleading season is a year-long commitment. The season begins with pre-camp and UCA College Cheer Camp in late July and early August. The season runs until the selection/ recruiting process is complete in April.
When are games?Football games are Saturday afternoons or evenings. In Conference basketball games are usually Friday and Saturday evenings. Occasionally non-conference basketball and select home volleyball games may be held on other days.
Do you cheer at away games?We travel to all away football and post-season tournament games. We travel to select women and men’s away basketball games. We will travel to post-season tournaments.
When are practices?Practices are in the afternoons and we also are in the weight room twice weekly. For special events extra practices may/ will be arranged.
When are tryouts?UIU cheer is a recruit filled program. We will also hold a tryout / selection process each April. Team members are selected by the coaching staff not judges.
Is tumbling required?Tumbling experience is required for female athletes. However, if you have no prior experience but appear to have the ability to learn quickly you are highly encouraged to still speak with the coaching staff! Male athletes do not have to have prior tumbling experience. Both female and male athletes are encouraged to be taking team or private instruction in tumbling skills and techniques prior to the college selection process. The earlier you start the better.
Is cheerleading experience required?Cheer experience is required for female athletes. School teams, All-Star programs, Gymnastics, or formal Dance Training will prepare you for the collegiate cheer experience. Most male members do not have prior cheer experience before coming to college and will be taught the skills necessary to be competitive on the collegiate level.
Do you stunt?Yes, UIU does both All-Girl/ Multi-Base Stunts and Co-Ed Stunting. We follow all safety guidelines set forth by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) for collegiate football and basketball cheer teams.
What does it cost to cheer?UIU is a fully funded cheer program. All uniforms, equipment, ribbons, travel costs, game-day meals and camp registration and accommodations. Cheerleaders are responsible for off season Sponsorship Donations. This can be as little as $800.00 raised per person or more depending on the extra needs of the team with national competitions and summer camp.
Do you offer scholarships?At this time UIU is working on the amounts to offer for cheerleading scholarships.
Contact Information:
Tony Morris
Head Cheer Coach and Spirit Coordinator
morrisa24@uiu.edu | | | |
563-425-5877—Office
574-339-2440—Cell
fb—uiu cheerleading |
