Welcome to the home of the University of West Alabama Cheerleading and Mascot programs! The UWA Cheer program consists of three squads: a co-ed sideline football squad, a co-ed sideline basketball squad, and a co-ed competition squad. Sideline Squad members promote spirit and support UWA Athletics including cheering on the sidelines of every home football game in Tiger Stadium as well as home basketball games in Pruitt Hall. Sideline Squad Cheerleaders also travel to cheer at selective away football games, GSC basketball tournaments and NCAA tournaments. Our competition squad competes in the Cheer Spirit Rally division at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida. All cheerleaders will attend an annual NCA summer camp.
UWA Cheerleaders are committed to representing the University of West Alabama and are active in appearances for the University and the Livingston community. These events include pre-game pep rallies, half-time and sideline routines at football and basketball games and more!
Cheer Tryout Information
In order to be considered for any of the 2024-2025 UWA Cheerleading Squads, you must complete the following checklist and be in attendance/full participation at tryouts on April 27th, 2024.
Checklist
- Completed Tryout Packet
- First Year/Transfers include acceptance letter to the University of West Alabama
- Tryout Packets due to cheer@uwa.edu in PDF form no later than May 1st at 5:00pm
- Email subject line: “First Name Last Name, UWA Cheerleading Tryouts”
- A letter of recommendation from a previous cheerleading coach or teacher
- A copy of your driver’s license (Front & Back)
- A copy of your insurance card(s) (Front & Back)
*Those trying out for the 2024/2025 team that were on the 2023/2024 team do not need a letter of recommendation or copies of the ID/insurance.
Dates/Times
Saturday, May 4th — Open Gym/Mat: 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Sunday, May 5th — Tryouts: Gym opens at 9:00 A.M., Tryouts begin at 12:00 P.M.
Location
Hughes Gymnasium on the UWA Campus
Tryout Packet
Download the UWA Cheerleading Packet below and submit it to cheer@uwa.edu.
Interviews
After submitting your completed tryout packet, you will be contacted to schedule the interview portion of your tryout. Please dress in professional attire.
Tryout Attire
Females
Fitted plain white shirt/tank, black athletic shorts, cheer shoes, Game Day hair (ribbon included) and makeup
Males
Athletic plain white shirt, black athletic shorts, cheer/tennis shoes, neat hair/facial hair
Skill Requirements
| Standing Tumbling | Running Tumbling | Stunt Skills | Baskets (Flyers) | Jumps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Handspring (Required) Tuck (Preferred) | Back Handspring (Required) Roundoff Back Handspring Tuck + (preferred) | Quick Toss Platform Single-Leg Platform Full-Up Corkscrew Dismount | Toe Touch Basket (Required) Tuck Basket (Preferred) | Toe Touch L or R Hurdler Pike |
Material Requirements
- UWA Fight Song (with tumbling)
- Create-Your-Own Chant
- Must perform your chant 3x through with props (poms/signs/meg/etc.)
Tryout Results
- Results for tryouts will be posted on the gym door immediately following the conclusion of tryouts.
- Varsity fittings will be immediately after results are posted.
- Be prepared to stay for a Varsity fitting and team meeting at the conclusion of tryouts.
Please contact the cheer coach at (937) 926-4314 or tramsey@uwa.edu with any questions.
LUie the Tiger
For over 50 years, LUie has roamed the sidelines at UWA athletic challenges! He can also be seen at numerous events across campus as a true ambassador of our UWA community. He loves cheering on the Tiger family both on and off the field.
Request an appearance from Luie
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to all LUie appearances:
- LUie does not do private events (e.g., weddings, birthday parties) or any promotional events. All events must be sponsored by The University of West Alabama or approved through the Office of Student Activities at UWA.
- A minimum of two (2) weeks notice must be met for all requests for LUie to appear.
- A private and lockable place for LUie to change must be provided if the appearance is outside of the Livingston area.
- Requests are not guaranteed. A confirmation email will be sent to verify the request.
For assistance, please email cheer@uwa.edu.
UWA Cheerleading and Mascot Frequently Asked Questions
The number of cheerleaders on the squad (16-20 members) is determined by the Head coach.
Yes, but you must be accepted to UWA.
Yes, all appropriate forms can be found in the tryouts section on the website.
No, tryouts will be closed to the public.
Yes, but there are a limited number available. You can receive a scholarship per semester. Not all chosen to be on the team are awarded a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discrepancy of the head coach.
Everyone on the squad must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher to remain on the team. To try out for the team, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher and be accepted to UWA. If you are conditionally accepted, you can make the team but must be unconditionally accepted by the end of the summer to participate with the team.
Tryouts are held on campus in Hughes Gym.
No, however appropriate appearance and build are important to the safety of the person.
The squad is selected based on the requirements and ability to represent UWA. This is done by the head coach and athletic administration.
Yes, there will be some mandatory practices in the months of May-July.
The cheerleading program is responsible for nearly all travel and practice attire costs. ALL cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraisers to help with additional costs/fees.
Yes, but it must be a flexible employer as team commitment is a priority.
Yes, but team commitment is a priority.
- Football
- Men’s Basketball
- Women’s Basketball
- Volleyball
Yes, there is a travel team that will cheer at selected away football games and the GSC men’s & women’s conference basketball tournament plus any post-season play.
Yes, there are many appearances throughout the year that the cheerleaders are required to attend.
All academic rules and tryout rules above apply to mascot tryouts. Tryout day: mascots will try out after cheerleader tryouts are complete. You must come with a 1-minute routine including props, music and anything else you may need. Mascot tryouts are performed in front of all cheerleading tryout participants. Height minimum applies.