What We Do
The Yellowjacket Cheerleaders encourage crowd enthusiasm and participation through the use of partner stunts, pyramids and chants. We cheer at all home football and basketball games and have the option to attend away games as well.
The squad shares their school spirit by performing at various Graceland functions and rallies, as well as judging and putting on clinics for local junior high and high school squads.
Basic Qualifications
Must be enrolled full-time (12 hours) at Graceland University for the entire year he/she will serve. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.00. Cannot be on disciplinary probation. Must have health and hospitalization insurance.
Prior cheerleading, dance, or gymnastic experience preferred. Tryouts are held in the spring for the upcoming fall semester. **NOTE: Varsity cheerleading can be taken for one semester hour of credit during both the fall and spring semesters. We encourage all our cheerleaders to sign up for the academic credit since we do not currently offer cheerleading scholarships at Graceland University.
Practice Sessions
Practices are supervised.
Practice is usually held four to five times a week from 4-6 p.m.
Try Outs
All candidates, including students who have made the team in the past, must try out for a spot on the cheerleading squad. The typical cheerleading squad is a total of 10-14 members. We highly encourage high school seniors to try out for the squad. Interested cheerleaders are encouraged to visit Graceland and attend a practice to watch the team and try stunting and talk in person with our current squad members. The tryouts are judged upon the following categories:
- Clinic cheer with toe touch included
- Chants
- Jumps
- Graceland Fight Song
- 3 required stunts: extension, chair, optional stunt (your choice)
- Optional tumbling
- Overall appearance
If you are unable to attend the date(s) of the tryouts you may send a videotape of your cheerleading talents. Tryouts are based on a two-day cheer clinic that is run in conjunction with Graceland's Early Orientation Day in April. The team captain(s), the current squad members and the cheer coach put on the clinic. For further information about cheerleading or becoming a member of the Yellowjacket Cheer Squad, please contact: Mari Chandler, Cheer Coach
Graceland University
1 University Place
Lamoni, IA 50140
641-784-5369
mchandle@graceland.edu
Don't miss out on the Graceland experience. See what Yellowjacket cheerleading can offer you.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
641.784.5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
