Cheer Program Description
Bethany’s Cheer Squad is composed of 10-20 men and women athletes. The team cheers at all home football and basketball games, and most away games including post-season games. All members of the cheer squad have had experience either on a high school squad, college squad and/or all star team. The Bethany Cheer Squad’s goal is to create and promote school support and interest in athletics, increase enrollment in Bethany College, develop high team standards, and provide quality family entertainment.
It should be understood that each team member is a student athlete; student first, athlete second. Each athlete should give priority to their education and 100% discipline, dedication and responsibility to their team 100% of the time.
Practices
Practices are 2-4 days per week for 1 1/2 to 3 hrs, with games in addition. All members are expected to weight train and practice on their own, in addition to their weekly practice schedule, in order to maintain optimal physical condition and knowledge of material. Cheer members are required to take a cardio class (PE122) for one elective credit. Bethany’s Cheer program has cheerleading mats, spring tumbling floor strip, incline mat, and tumbling barrel to aid in skills training and perfecting. Athletes have access to an athletic trainer at all times.
The Bethany Cheer Squad attends camps and competitions. However, the squad’s first priority is the promotion of school spirit rather than competition. Each year the coach hires private instructors to come work with the team on perfecting skills and choreography.
Scholarships
There is no cost to be a member of the Bethany Cheer Squad. All uniforms, bags, camp/competition registration fees, travel expenses, other necessities etc. are paid for by Bethany College. The Bethany Cheer Squad is allowed to hold one fundraiser per year to add funds to the program, if they choose, for things they want.
Currently, all members of the spirit squad receive scholarship starting at $1,000 per year as an Athletic Performance Award, with more possible based on need and talent. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to receive their initial athletic scholarship and maintain at least a 2.0 after each academic year to keep the scholarship. Dual Athletic Award Scholarships starting at $1,500 are available to those students who are selected to be on the cheer squad and another athletic team.
You will find the Bethany College Spirit Squads and their scholarship opportunities featured in American Cheerleader Magazine and at Varsity.com. For more financial aid information, please contact the
Financial Aid Office for more info on campus scholarships. Priority Deadline for Kansas Students is March 15th.
Community Events/Performances
Each year the BC Spirit Squad holds a "Lil' Swedes" Junior Cheer & Dance camp. This camp is for girls ages K-14 years. The camp focuses on teaching of cheerleading and dance skills, building self-esteem, and promoting teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. Campers also attend a picnic with the Bethany Spirit Squads and participate in a game day performance on the sidelines at Bethany’s Annual Family/Alumni Day football game! This event includes picnic with the BC cheerleaders and dancers, paid entrance to the game, big sis cheerleader/dancer assignment and support of the Bethany College Athletic program. T-Shirts included for those registered for Family/Alumni Sports weekend.
Every two years the cheerleaders participate in the Hyllningsfest festivities held in Lindsborg, KS. The cheer squad also performs at KSHAA Kansas Spirit Spreader day clinic for Kansas middle and high school cheer and dance teams. Every year Swede Spirit Night, Homecoming and Midnight Madness pep rallies are all organized and lead by the Bethany Spirit Squads. Each season the squad performs a Combo Routine with the Bethany Dance Team. The Cheer Squad also performs a fall performance routine for football homecoming and exhibits their annual competition routine at one of the spring basketball games. In addition, the squad makes special appearances at alumni, athletic, charitable and community activities as scheduled.
Judgings/Camps:
Bethany College Cheer Squad members and coach are available to judge your team’s tryouts or to conduct private camps tailored to your team’s specific needs. See Coaching Staff section with questions or for more information.
Benefits of being a BC Cheerleader/Yell Leader
• Scholarship starting at $1,000+ with more depending on need and talent
• Excellent education programs at one of the best private liberal arts college in the country by Us News and World Report
• Full participation at NO COST, all fees paid
• No need to pay out of pocket or fundraise throughout the year
• Competition opportunities; state, regional, and national
• Guest coaching, choreography, and tumbling instruction by well known, high quality professionals who have top 10 finishes
• Opportunities to judge and coach high school tryouts and camps
• Attend all regular and post season games at no cost
• Represent THE BEST squad in the KCAC
• Athlete Academic support and tutoring as needed
• Private college allowing for more one on one attention from professors; class size 20 or less
• Access to athletic trainer/exercise/kinesiology certified staff
• Access to mental and medical health professionals as needed
• Attend summer camp at no cost
• Conditioning, strength and weight training during reserved team practices in weight room
• Cheer team equipment includes: spring floor, incline and barrel mats, foam cheer mats
• Team members from all over the country; Program that recruits
• All girl/Co-Ed opportunities
• Community service projects/mentoring children in area
• Housing and meals provided to recruits during tryouts at no charge
• Opportunity for private and video tape auditions
• AACCA Safety and Liability certified coaching
• Head coach has judged for WSF High School & All Star Competitions
• Monthly Open Gyms FREE of charge
• Spirit programs/scholarships featured at Varsity.com and in American Cheerleader Magazine
