Currently, there are over 5,000 competitive cheerleaders in Georgia competing at the high school or all-star levels, but there are only six colleges/universities statewide that are sponsoring female-only programs. Additionally, there is only one other university in the Southern States Athletic Conference -- the conference in which Brenau sports teams compete -- that is offering competition cheerleading as a varsity sport. Brenau University is favorably positioned to be a major competitor in this increasingly popular sport. The university has an ideal geographical setting; and is another venue for those cheerleaders looking to participate in this sport at a smaller university but be able to compete at the national level.
Competitive cheer and dance, under the NAIA governance structure, reached championship sport status when more than 50 member colleges and universities declared to participate during the 2010-11 academic year. "Our members are enthusiastic about the growth of the sport and the new opportunities offered to young men and women competing in the NAIA," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The expansion of competitive cheer and dance in the NAIA builds on our storied tradition of innovation and opportunity."
"I'm tremendously excited to be able to announce the addition of competitive cheer as the newest varsity sport for Brenau University," said athletic director Mike Lochstampfor. "It is a sport that is gaining in popularity on the national level and I'm pleased that the NAIA has been at the forefront of providing the opportunity for these athletes to compete. I believe it will be a great fit for our university and have no doubt that it will be as successful as the rest of the sports we currently sponsor. I look forward to seeing the many new athletes that this sport will add to the Golden Tiger family."
Members of the Brenau University cheer team will train and compete in the national competitions which are typically held once a year in the spring. However, they will also participate in a variety of campus settings, as well as, serving as cheerleaders at home basketball and volleyball games as part of their commitments. A head coach will be identified in the future and recruiting of new student-athletes is already underway in earnest. Any potential recruits interested in being part of this new, exciting program should contact Mike Lochstampfor, Athletic Director at 770-534-6231 or by email at [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/11/233653