The Northern Kentucky University Cheerleaders are an integral part of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the University, and the Northern Kentucky community. The cheerleaders pride themselves in their goals to promote school spirit and support for NKU, and to encourage positive crowd participation at Norse athletic events. Additionally, the cheerleaders are involved with many activities on campus and in the community. The cheerleaders compete annually at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Collegiate Cheerleading Competition at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Norse have earned Small Coed Division II National Championships in 2006, 2007, 2009 & 2010!
The vision of NKU cheerleading is to advance in our education while focusing on our community and demonstrating the utmost pride in every way possible. We are committed to serving and engaging the University and local community while preserving and establishing meaningful and enduring relationships with alumni, the community, and fans.
Recruitment and Tryouts
● Each athlete inquiring about participation in our program should attend at least
one clinic. There are 2 clinics each season (one fall and one spring semester)
● Athletes will be asked to attend our tryout sessions which typically occur in April
of each season. Virtual opportunities are available pending a meeting with the
coaching staff Cheerleading Responsibilities
● Each athlete will be asked to cheer for the following programs: Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball.
● Athletes will be tasked to attend various on campus and off campus community events.
● Practices will be 2-3 times a week with workouts included. National practices will be an adjusted schedule
● Fundraising opportunities are extremely important to help offset costs associated with cheerleading. Athletes will be asked to participate according to the needs of each season.
Open Gyms
● Athletes will be asked to attend as many open gyms as possible. Open gyms are
open practices for those that are intending on trying out for NKU. Each participant
must have a current physical, copy of your insurance card, and a waiver.
● Open gyms are offered starting in the month of February
Social Media and Updates
● All dates on clinics and tryouts will be posted on our social media outlets (@NKUCheer)
SKILLS CHART
|
Coed Stunting Skills
(New Males interested will be taught
skills but there are no required levels)
|
All-Girl Stunting Skills |
| Toss/Walk-in Chair |
Toss Extension |
| Toss/Walk-in/Hands to Extension |
Toss Liberty |
| Toss/Walk-in/Hands to Platform |
Toss Full Up Stretch w/Double Down |
| Toss/Walk-in/Hands to Liberty |
Toss Cupie to an Elite Spinning Skill
- Toss Cupie to Toss Full up
- Low to High
- High to High
|
|
Optional Elite Stunting Skill
- Toss Full Up or Toss Cupie
- Round Off or BHS Up/Immediate
- Hand to Hand
- Rewind
- Front HS Up
|
Any Elite Inversion
- Round Off Up/Immediate
- BHS Up/Immediate
- Hand to Hand
- Rewind
- Front HS Up
|
