Husker Spirit Squad

Description

The Spirit Squad is made up of three groups; the Cheer Squad, Scarlets Dance Team, and our Mascots--Herbie Huskers and Lil' Red. Whether they are chanting Husker Power in front of 90,000 Nebraska fans at Memorial Stadium or cheering on our top-ranked volleyball team at the Devaney Center, the Spirit Squad is at the forefront of Husker Nation motivating and entertaining fans, promoting school spirit, and serving as ambassadors for the University at campus and community events. In addition to performing at home and away football games, volleyball, and men's and women's basketball, the squad participates in over 200 hours of public service each year all while maintaining full-time academic standing and an average 3.4 cumulative GPA.

Roles

I was a male cheerleader for the huskers from 2019-2020. I helped restart the tradition of male cheerleading at UNL after more than 20 without males on the team. I practiced weekly with my team, learned routines for each game, and developed new partner stunts. I envigorated the crowds and cheered at football and basketball games. The stunts and cheers I learned were carried on from Nebraska's rich cheer history. 

Takeaways

I didn't think I would make the cut, but my determination and enthusiasm won over the coaches. After having an interview I was thrown into a physically taxing training camp where it was sink or swim. Everything about cheer was new to me and I embraced it with open arms and a blank mind. It was like drinking water through a firehose. Practices were repetitive yet always fun. The incredible characters on the team always had me smiling even when I failed. The football games were a different story. I was shaking from excitement before each game. Anything could get you excited during games. I meet all the challenges in my life with this same perseverance and excitement as I did cheerleading. I learned to never give up, believe in yourself, and rely on others.