Leading the student section in cheers and chants during big sporting events, the University of Wyoming’s cheerleading team fulfills a primary purpose of supporting the UW Athletic Department, as well as all Cowboy and Cowgirl athletic teams.
Not only do they cheer on their fellow athletes, they also serve as public relations ambassadors for the University of Wyoming, and are often seen as the face of most UW Athletics. With this responsibility, the cheerleaders are required to make numerous appearances at University activities and community events.
Their cheerleaders are divided into two different teams. The first is the Gold Team, which is an “all-girls” team consisting of 12 full members and up to four alternates. This team is expected to cheer at all home football games as well as selected home volleyball, basketball and wrestling matches.
There is also the Brown Team, which is a co-ed team consisting of 12 full members and up to four alternates. Like the Gold team, they are required to cheer at a majority of home sporting events.
Occasionally, members from both teams have the opportunity to travel to away football games, bowl games and post-season basketball tournaments. The team is limited to 12 spots and decisions are made by the discretion of the head coach.
Just like any athlete, the cheerleaders are held to high-standards, which they are required to meet in order to stay on the team. They all must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must be enrolled in no less than 12 credit hours. The team is also required to sign a contract binding them in a full commitment from April to April of the following year.
Typically, the cheer team holds practices two to three times per week, which last two hours each. Practices vary each semester depending on scheduling, facility availability and athletic events.
In the summer, the cheer team is expected to attend or host a collegiate summer camp. Though UW Cheer Teams have competed in the past, the decision is one that varies from year to year.
Without the support and encouragement that the UW cheerleading team gives, there would be a lot less enthusiasm amongst those attending sporting events. Often overlooked at games, it is this team that gives our athletes the push they need.
The team is lead by Head Voach Marcie Powell and Assistant Coach Mary Spilski. Members of the team include seniors Dan Blaney, Jaylene Cavalli, Jacque Crank; juniors Ethan Carlson, Allison Litch, Nichole Paulson, Burgandy Schmitt; sophomores Kale Donnelly, Shelynn Laws and freshman Caitlin Bush, Ashlyn Cargnel, Cassie Craddock, Erika Hamlin, Santana Keith, Dante Martinez, Jade Schmitt, Becca Steinkraus, Amber Street and Danielle Trierweiler.
