The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 2025-2026 Cheer Team poses for a photo.

Welcome to the home of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading and Mascot Programs! Our teams proudly represent ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú by promoting spirit, elevating game-day energy, and serving as spirited ambassadors for the University both on and off campus.

The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheer program is made up of three squads—a sideline football squad, a sideline basketball squad, and a competition squad. Sideline Cheerleaders bring the excitement to every home football game in Tiger Stadium and every home basketball game in Pruitt Hall. They also travel to select away football games, GSC basketball tournaments, NCAA postseason events, and make special appearances at additional ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Athletics events, including volleyball, soccer, and rodeo.

Beyond athletics, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleaders and Mascots are dedicated to supporting the University and the Livingston community. They take part in pre-game pep rallies, campus events, community engagements, and spirit appearances throughout Livingston and surrounding areas.

Each year, all ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleaders and Mascots attend NCA Summer Camp at the University of Louisville to build skills, strengthen teamwork, and prepare for the season ahead. Our Competition Squad proudly represents ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú on the national stage, competing against other Division II programs at the prestigious NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, we are committed to excellence, leadership, and spirit—and we can’t wait to welcome the next generation of Tigers to our tradition-rich program. 

Upcoming ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheer Clinics

The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheer Program is excited to host exclusive clinics designed for motivated athletes ready to take their skills to the next level. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent, sharpen technique, and gain meaningful practice reps outside of your regular training schedule. Attending a clinic is the best way to get seen by our coaching staff and to open the door for future recruitment opportunities. All clinics are limited to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as current college students, ensuring a focused and competitive training environment. Join us and take your next step toward becoming a part of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Spirit tradition!

Clinic Dates:

  • Sunday, September 20th, 2026 (2pm – 5pm)
  • Sunday, October 18th, 2026 (2pm – 5pm)
  • Sunday, November 15th, 2026 (1pm – 4pm)

Registration:

Follow @ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú_Cheer on Instagram and Facebook for updates and to be the first to know when registration goes live. We’ll post the registration links in both our Instagram and Facebook bios.

Cheerleading Skill Requirements

Female Skill Requirements

Standing TumblingRunning TumblingGroup Stunt SkillsCOED Stunt SkillsBaskets (Flyers)Jumps
Back Handspring (required)

Tuck (preferred)
Roundoff Back Handspring (required)

Roundoff Back Handspring Tuck + (preferred)
Quick Toss Platform

Single-Leg Platform

Full-Up
Corkscrew Dismount
Walk-In

Toss to Hands 
Toe Touch Basket (required)

Tuck Basket (preferred)
Toe Touch

L and R Hurdler

Pike

Male Skill Requirements

Standing TumblingRunning TumblingGroup Stunt SkillsCOED Stunt SkillsJumps
Back Handspring (preferred)

Tuck (preferred)
Roundoff Back Handspring (preferred)

Roundoff Back Handspring Tuck + (preferred)
Quick Toss Platform

Single-Leg Platform

Full-Up
Corkscrew Dismount
Walk-In

Toss to Prep Hands (required)

Toss to Extension (preferred)
Toe Touch

L and R Hurdler

Pike

Cheer Tryout Information 

In order to be considered for the 2027-2028 ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading Squad, you must complete the following checklist and be invited to tryouts on Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Checklist

  • Completed Tryout Packet (link below)
    • Tryout Packet name: “FirstNameLastName – Tryout Packet”
  • First Year/Transfers include acceptance letter to the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
  • Tryout Video (Mandatory)
    • Self-Introduction (name, current school, hometown, age, position)
    • Skills: Listed under skill requirements above; show all skills you have
      • Jumps
      • Standing Tumbling
      • Running Tumbling
      • Stunts
    • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Fight Song (Twice through with tumbling and pom/meg use)
    • Create-Your-Own Chant (3 times through with props (sign, megs, poms)
  • A letter of recommendation from a previous cheerleading coach or teacher*
  • A copy of your driver’s license (Front & Back)*
  • A copy of current ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú student ID (if applicable)
  • A copy of your insurance card(s) (Front & Back)*
  • A headshot/picture of participant

*Those trying out for the 2027/2028 team that were on the 2026/2027 team do not need a letter of recommendation or copies of the ID/insurance.

All above information is due to [email protected] by April 30, 2027 at 5:00pm.

  • Email Subject Line: “First Name Last Name, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheer Tryouts”
  • Once submitted, you will receive notification from a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading staff member about next steps.

Tryout Packet

Interviews

After submitting your completed tryout packet, you will be contacted to schedule the interview portion of your tryout. Please dress in professional attire.

Tryout Attire

Females

Fitted plain white shirt/tank, black athletic shorts, cheer shoes, Game Day hair (ribbon included) and makeup

Males

Athletic plain white shirt, black athletic shorts, cheer/tennis shoes, neat hair/facial hair

Material Requirements

  • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Fight Song x2 (with tumbling)
    • The fight song music is available upon request from the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading coaching staff.
  • Create-Your-Own Chant
    • Must perform your chant 3x through with props (poms/signs/meg/etc.)

Tryout Results

  • Results for tryouts will be posted on the gym door immediately following the conclusion of tryouts.
  • Varsity fittings will be immediately after results are posted. 
  • Be prepared to stay for a Varsity fitting and team meeting at the conclusion of tryouts. 

Please contact Coach Taylor Ward at (205) 652-3433 or ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheer at [email protected] with any questions.

Become LUie the Tiger!

Think you have what it takes to be the face of Tiger Nation?

LUie the Tiger is more than a mascot—he is the heart, energy, and personality of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú! From leading the crowd at football and basketball games to making appearances across campus and throughout the community, LUie brings the spirit of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú wherever he goes.

As LUie, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Hype up Tiger Nation at athletic events and create unforgettable game-day experiences.
  • Entertain and engage fans of all ages through skits, dances, crowd interactions, and spontaneous fun.
  • Represent ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú at campus events, recruitment activities, community appearances, and special events.
  • Make memories with students, alumni, fans, and future Tigers.
  • Bring LUie to LIFE through creativity, personality, movement, and performance.

LUie has a personality all his own. He can be goofy, energetic, mischievous, competitive, and sometimes downright wild—but more importantly, LUie LOVES being a Tiger and LOVES the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú!

Whether you’re a natural entertainer, dancer, athlete, performer, or simply someone who loves making people smile, we want to hear from you!

Ready to Join the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading and Mascot program? Contact the coaching staff at [email protected] or (205) 652-3433 for more information!

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading and Mascot Frequently Asked Questions 

How many cheerleading squads does ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú have?
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has 3 cheerleading squads: the sideline football squad, the sideline basketball squad, and the competition squad.
How many cheerleaders are on the squads? 

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Cheerleading is normally made up of 18-24 cheerleaders.

Can high school seniors and/or transfer students try out?

Yes, but you must be accepted to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

Are tryouts open to the public?

No, tryouts will be closed to the public.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, but there are a limited number available. You can receive a scholarship per semester. Not all chosen to be on the team are awarded a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discrepancy of the head coach.

Are there any academic requirements?

Everyone on the squad must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher to remain on the team. To try out for the team, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and be accepted to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. If you are conditionally accepted, you can make the team but must be unconditionally accepted by the end of the summer to participate with the team.

Where are tryouts?

Tryouts are held on campus in Hughes Gym.

Is there a height or weight limit?

No, however appropriate appearance and build are important to the safety of the person.

How is the squad selected?

The squad is selected based on the requirements and ability to represent ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. This is done by the coaching staff and administration.

What are practice days and times?
Practice days and times are TBD by the Head Coach. There will be approximately 2-3 practices per week, plus weight training and conditioning sessions with the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Strength and Conditioning staff.
Are there practices during the summer? 

Yes, there will be some mandatory practices in the months of May-July.

What expenses are involved?

The cheerleading program is responsible for nearly all travel and practice attire costs. ALL cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraisers to help with additional costs/fees.

Can I work and cheer?

Yes, but it must be a flexible employer as team commitment is a priority.

Can I be involved with a fraternity or sorority?

Yes, but team commitment is a priority.

Which sports do ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú cheerleaders cheer for?
  • Football
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Volleyball
Does the team travel?

Yes, there is a travel team that will cheer at selected away football games and the GSC men’s & women’s conference basketball tournament plus any post-season play.

Are there community events that ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú cheerleaders are involved in?

Yes, there are many appearances throughout the year that the cheerleaders are required to attend.

Is the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú cheerleading program competitive?

Yes, we currently compete at the NCA College National Championships in Daytona Beach, FL.

What rules apply to mascot tryouts?

All academic rules and tryout rules listed above apply to mascot tryouts. On tryout day, mascots will perform a 1–2 minute routine that includes props, music, and anything else they may need. Mascot tryouts are performed in front of a judging panel, and results are posted by tryout number, just as the cheerleading tryout results are posted.

Request an Appearance from LUie the Tiger

For over 50 years, LUie has roamed the sidelines at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú athletic challenges! He can also be seen at numerous events across campus as a true ambassador of our ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community. He loves cheering on the Tiger family both on and off the field. 

Terms and Conditions 

The following terms and conditions apply to all LUie appearances: 

  1. LUie does not do private events (e.g., weddings, birthday parties) or any promotional events. All events must be sponsored by The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú or approved through the Office of Student Activities at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. 
  2. A minimum of two (2) weeks notice must be met for all requests for LUie to appear. 
  3. A private and lockable place for LUie to change must be provided if the appearance is outside of the Livingston area. 
  4. Requests are not guaranteed. A confirmation email will be sent to verify the request. 

For assistance, please email [email protected]