Cheerleading & Dance Team

Mars Hill Spirit Teams consist of a Game Day Cheerleading Team and a Dance Team. The primary focus of the MHU Spirit Teams is to support the Lion Athletics, enhance game day experiences, and promote campus spirit throughout the school and community. The cheer and dance team cheers for all home football and basketball games. Team members will also participate in various campus and community activities and alumni events. Being selected as a member of Mars Hill University spirit teams is a great honor. Each team requires a large time commitment, but in return will provide a memorable experience and create lasting friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Eligibility

Tryouts will be open to incoming freshman/transfers and current students in good academic standing. All incoming students must be accepted to Mars Hill University and provide a copy of their acceptance letter. All students must have a cumulative high school or college GPA of a 2.0 or greater. Video and summer tryouts are available upon approval of the coach; it is, however, strongly suggested you attend the spring tryout.

**Please note we are not able to accommodate anyone staying overnight. Hotel/food accommodations are on your own.

Scholarships:

Some scholarship money is available for high achieving spirit team members at MHU. Scholarships are awarded based upon the student’s cumulative GPA, skill level and ability, years on the team, and professionalism, and are given at the coaches’ and administration’s discretion. Note: Not every cheerleader will receive a cheerleading scholarship and amounts will vary each year. The coach and administration reserve the right to remove a cheerleading scholarship from any individual who does not comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the student handbook and cheerleading program.

Skill Requirements: 

Tryouts are fast paced and participants should have experience in the following areas and be able to execute the following:

Cheerleading:
Stunting– Participants must be able to perform the following stunts with a group.
Please note you may be asked to try different stunting positions by coaching staff

• Extension with a express down dismount
• Ground up Liberty, twisting dismount preferred
• Heel stretch, twisting or flipping dismount preferred
• Transitional skills including switch ups, full ups, rewinds

Tumbling:

• Each cheerleader is strongly encouraged to have a standing back handspring.
• Standing tucks are preferred.
• Running tumbling skills preferred: Round-off back-handspring series or greater skill (tuck, layout, full)

** Cheerleaders who do not possess standing or running tumbling skills are still encouraged to try out for the game day team. 

Dance Team Skills
Turns/Jumps (Preferred):

• Double/triple turns
• Second turns (straight leg)
• Leaps (front and side)
• Strong technical background (pointed toes, flexibility, etc.)
• High kicks (front, side and back battements)
• Background in jazz, hip hop, and/or pom

Additional Requirements/Reminders:

• Athletic ability to run a mile and complete a fitness test
• Short interviews will be required for each participant
• Bring a copy of your insurance card
• Each cheerleader must submit a copy of their current physical

Contact Spirit Teams Director Danielle Plimpton to reserve your spot at tryouts. 

COSMO

You can see Cosmo the Lion roaming the stands and field at all home football and basketball games. Cosmo is the number one fan when it comes to Mars Hill and he is always ready to promote school spirit. We have several talented individuals in our mascot program. If you are interested in becoming involved with our mascot team please contact the Spirit Teams Director. When funds are available individuals may be asked to attend mascot camp during August.