The Illinois State University cheerleaders are a part of the athletic department, with the primary responsibility of encouraging crowd response at select ISU athletic functions, and doing everything in their power to create an environment at those athletic functions conducive to winning the contest

     We cheer for all Football, Volleyball, and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball home contests. In addition, we travel to some away contests, circumstance allowing.

     The practice commitment currently consists of three nights a week: Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM, Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM, and Friday evening from 6-8 PM. This schedule is fluid depending on home contests in the sports we cheer for and potential road trips.

     The overall time commitment also includes appearances at functions in conjunction with athletic contests, including parades and alumni gatherings. Consideration is always given to academic concerns when conflicts arise between the two.

     While supporting ISU athletics is always the primary concern and responsibility of the cheerleading squad, we also desire to perform. In the spirit of that, we do exhibition routines at outside events simply for our own benefit, and will be competing at national level competitions as often as is possible. It must be stressed that competition is not the primary job of this squad. However, the benefits of competing in terms of marketing the squad and recruiting potential members cannot be ignored. The very nature of competing will also work to enhance the skill level and performing capability of the squad, which in turn makes us better able to elicit the kind of response we strive for at athletic contests, and enhances our ability to perform the job that is central to our existence as an extension of Illinois State University Athletics.