SFA Spirit Teams
Welcome to the home of champions where students push themselves to the limit on the mat, at the game, and in the classroom. The SFA Spirit Program serves as the ambassador for spirit and Lumberjack pride at SFA. Made up of four teams; the Large Coed Cheer Team, Pom Squad, Small Coed Cheer Team, and Jack Attack plus the Lumberjack and Ladyjack mascots, these students participate in Lumberjack football, volleyball and basketball games as well as compete at the NCA/NDA Collegiate National Championships. All of our teams are nationally ranked and competitive.
Like the teams that they support, the SFA Spirit creed is to work hard and be the best. We are proud to support the athletic teams at Stephen F. Austin by generating crowd enthusiasm and by fostering school spirit and loyalty to the Lumberjacks. The Spirit Program is under the Office of Student Affairs and is managed by the Spirit Coordinator.
Each team has 15-35 members, but teams do vary in size from year to year. Spirit teams perform at all home football games and 8-12 cheerleaders from Large Coed are selected to cheer all away football games. There are also a few away football games that selected members from both cheer teams and pom squad will attend. The Large Coed and Pom Squad perform at all home men's basketball games and Small Coed and Jack Attack perform at all home women's basketball games. All four teams perform at selected home volleyball games. SFA Spirit Squad members are there for homecoming, in the battle for Chief Caddo, and in the community. They bleed purple and know that a victory may be up to them.
From traveling all over the country with the athletic program, taking a day to hit the beach in Daytona, or running out with the football team at Homecoming, being a member of the Spirit Team is fun and exciting. At SFA, the Spirit Squads are the focus of attention, but that comes with great responsibility. SFA Spirit students are expected to set an example. Being a proud member of the SFA Spirit Program is not only a year-round commitment, but a lasting part of SFA traditions. If you are ready to be a part of something special, look at trying out for one of our teams.
If you are interested in trying out for any of our teams or mascot positions please complete the Recruit Info Form (found on the Cheerleading and Dance home pages). This form will collect some information that will help us stay in touch with you during the season.
SFA SPIRIT PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Stephen F. Austin State University Cheerleading and Dance Teams are dedicated to increasing the overall spirit of the campus community by performing and cheering at SFA sporting events, serving as ambassadors for the university, and being a role model of leadership and scholarship.
The Spirit Program is a student activity, which means the program's first and foremost responsibility to the student-athlete is to support and not to compromise the student's academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature, and independent adult. Specifically, the program is a means of improving the student's mental and physical well being.
SFA SPIRIT PROGRAM MISSION
The Mission of the Stephen F. Austin State University Cheerleading and Dance program is to be acclaimed as premier Cheer and Dance organizations by setting the standards nationwide in scholarship, Cheer and Dance performance, sportsmanship, dedication, individual development, maturity, and pride.
SFA SPIRIT PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary purpose of spirit program members is to be committed members of a team whose goals are to support the intercollegiate athletics department of Stephen F. Austin State University. That support is directed into two major areas: (1) to appear at University activities, sporting events, alumni functions, programs and philanthropic events, to increase fan support at athletic events as cheerleaders, dancers, and mascots by leading cheers and performing for entertainment value as well as competitive purposes; (2) to be exemplary representatives of Stephen F. Austin State University, by representing the University at various local, state, and national activities, functions, programs and philanthropic events, as well as helping to raise the level of public support for the University.
Spirit Team membership is an activity where the student (1) will be provided leadership chances; (2) will develop the ability to make personal decisions; (3) will enhance the ability to respond to life's situations, ex. conflict/frustration, control of anger, win/lose reaction and how to control one's emotions; (4) will contribute to social development, ex. awareness of one's self, development of self-confidence and interpersonal relationships; and (5) will generally maximize the opportunity for student growth, change, and maturity.
SFA SPIRIT PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Stephen F. Austin State University and its spirit program consists of four squads and two mascots (Large Coed Squad and Small Coed Squad for cheer, Pom Squad and Jack Attack teams for dance, as well as the Lumberjack and Ladyjack mascots).
The Stephen F. Austin State University Cheerleading Squads consist of 25-35 cheerleaders, alternates chosen by coaching staff, Lumberjack and Ladyjack mascots.
The Stephen F. Austin State University Dance Teams consist of 15-20 members, and alternates chosen by coaching staff.
Support staff includes a Spirit Coordinator, head coach, assistant coach, administrative support and oversight through the Office of Student Affairs.
