A new year means a new squad to cheer on Lipscomb’s men and women’s basketball teams.
Last week, cheer hopefuls went through a weeklong process in order to become a Lipscomb cheerleader.
“For tryouts, I am definitely looking for someone who can represent Lipscomb in the best form as far as school spirit is concerned,” head coach Shawn Despot said. “We want them to have a good game day appearance and vibe to get the crowd pumped. Also we want someone with strong skills and a back ground in cheerleading.”
The process began with a general meeting for cheerleading hopefuls on Monday. Tuesday, the students trying out had a chance to learn two of Lipscomb’s cheers and time to practice stunting and tumbling. Wednesday, the men and women trying out headed to Premiere Athletics in Cool Springs to work on tumbling and stunting techniques. The final round of tryouts took place Thursday night, where cheers were performed and stunting and tumbling were showcased to the coaches.
“It’s pretty intimidating,” transfer student Megan Gillon said. “You’re trying to pull out your best stuff so that they like you.”
Each year, whether someone is a Lipscomb cheer alum or a first-timer they must participate in the tryout process. Senior Anna Claire Temple says the process has been daunting each year, even though this will be her fourth time on the squad and fourth time trying out.
“It’s still as nerve wracking,” said Temple. “No spots are guaranteed since you have to try out every year, no matter how many times you’ve done it. It’s scary because you don’t know who exactly is coming out so you have to be on your toes throughout the whole process.”
This year the team will be undergoing a major change: along with cheering on Lipscomb basketball the cheer team will be going up against other cheer squads in a national college cheerleading competition.
“This fall we will be getting ready by performing here in Nashville, and then we’re on to Orlando for UCA Nationals, which is very exciting for the team,” said Despot.
At the end of the day, 17 men and women were selected to be a part of the 2014-2015 Lipscomb Cheerleading squad.
“The best part is you get to know so many people,” said Temple. “You get that feeling of being involved and being a part of ‘our’ team by being close to such a tight knit group.”
The first game to catch the squad in action will be the Lady Bisons’ home game against Freed-Hardeman on Oct. 30.