Welcome
Welcome to the Nicholls State University Cheerleading site. The Nicholls State University cheerleading program is a student activity. As a student activity, its first and foremost responsibility to the student is to support and not to compromise the student’s academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature and independent adult. Specifically, the program is a means of improving the student’s mental and physical well being. Cheerleading is an activity where the student (1) will be provided leadership training; (2) will develop the ability to make decisions; (3) will enhance the ability to respond to life’s situations, e.g., conflict/frustration, control of heat, anger and hate, win/loss, react without too much emotion; (4) will contribute to social development, e.g., awareness of one’s self, development of self-confidence, development of interpersonal relationships; and (5) generally will maximize the opportunity for student growth, change and maturity. The primary purpose of the cheerleader is to be a member of the team, which has as its goal the support of intercollegiate athletics and Nicholls State University. That support is directed into three major areas, as follows: (1) to lead the cheers; to raise the level of fan support for intercollegiate athletics; to lead in positive vocal support for the team; to solicit that support from Colonel fans and to project that support to the University and its teams; (2) to participate in the athletic activity known as cheerleading by performing gymnastics, partner stunts, motions, pyramids, dance movements; to perfect this athletic activity for keeping the crowd attention/direction focused on the field/floor where the intercollegiate activity is taking place, and for entertainment and competitive purposes; and (3) to serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and Nicholls State University; to uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of the University; to appear at University activities, functions and programs, at charitable and public causes (not commercial/business purposes) to promote intercollegiate athletics and the University.
The University’s cheer program has will consist of 16 members that are chosen at the spring tryouts, and later alternate members may be added by the coaches and advisor.
Cheerleading at Nicholls State University is a unique student activity. The Cheer Program performs primarily at events of the Athletic Association. Unlike other sports of the Athletics Association, cheerleading is not governed by NCAA or Southland Conference rules and regulations. It should be noted that both the NCAA and Southland Conference mandate that AACCA Safety Guidelines (governing body for cheerleading safety) be followed at NCAA and Southland Conference events. Although not fitting nicely into the definition of a sport, cheerleaders are athletes and much of their activity at games is athletic. An advisor is assigned to the Cheer Program, much like student organizations have an advisor. The current Advisor to the Cheer Program is in the Office of Admissions
Nicholls State University has a scholarship program for members of its cheerleading squads. These scholarships are based on different eligibility requirements. However, the availability of funds determines if scholarships are given and, if given, the amounts of the scholarships.
In addition to football and basketball games, practices and pep rallies, cheerleaders attend a number of public relations and/or charitable events each year. Generally, cheerleaders do not make business or commercial appearances (as cheerleaders). Cheerleaders who appear at business or commercial events as individuals, not as NSU cheerleaders, are required to notify and seek approval of the coach/advisor. Similarly, the Colonel mascot will make numerous public relations/charitable appearances each year.
The Cheer Coach or Advisor shall approve all appearances by the cheerleaders and/or the Colonel mascot in advance. Appearances shall be at places and events, which are considered in good taste.
The cheerleaders shall appear only at events/activities, which will reflect positively on them as individuals, and as representatives of the Athletics Association and the University.