The Millsaps Cheerleaders are a vital component in Millsaps school spirit. The squads cheer for the Majors at home football and basketball games. The squads also make appearances at pep rallies and occasional athletic and alumni events. The basis for the cheerleading program is support of our athletic programs by involving the crowd and increasing school spirit. We are not rigid - our squads like to have FUN!

A note about College Cheerleading: College cheerleaders are not "automatically popular" because of the position they hold, no matter what size campus they represent. Cheerleading in college takes a different and special dedication to the squad and to the program. With many activities to choose from in college, careful decisions need to be made about cheerleading. Please make sure that you are cheering because you love to cheer - not for any other reason.

Qualifications:
Current or accepted incoming Millsaps student may tryout for the squads. Proof of personal medical insurance is required. Insurance must be maintained throughout the year. Applicants must be in good standing with the College with a sufficient fitness level to perform and practice.

Acceptance to Millsaps College:
If you have not yet applied, please call our admissions office toll-free at 800-352-1050 or you may apply online at /admiss/apply/appinstructions.shtml.

Mandatory Time Commitment:
Season: The cheerleading season runs from when school begins through late February. We are splitting up our squads into football and basketball to break the season into August - November and October - February. The football squads will tryout in April and attend summer camp. The basketball squads will tryout in October. We will attend cheerleading camp exact dates TBA.

Practice: During the school year, the squads will practice three times each week for two hours (more at the beginning of the season, less during busy academic weeks). Additional time is spent conditioning outside of practices. These practices will take place during the protected period (4-6 p.m.) during the week.

Football Games: The football season runs from the first weekend of school through November. Each member of the squad is required to attend all home games and all in-town games.

Basketball Games: Basketball season runs from November through February. Games are usually on weekends, with an occasional weekday game.

Priorities:
We encourage cheerleader involvement in other activities; however, we ask that your commitment to your squad come before any other extracurricular activities. We give plenty of advance notice of all practices and games. Cheerleaders are expected to plan accordingly - time management is essential. In order to be a part of the program, cheerleaders need to attend all practices and games. Please keep this in mind when trying out for the squad. Commitment and dedication is extremely important.

Financial Commitment:
Millsaps College provides uniforms for all cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are expected to pay for personal items including shoes, bloomers, bodysuits, proper undergarments, socks, practice clothing. Cheerleading camp costs are paid for by the cheerleaders or through fund-raisers. Cheerleaders are expected to fundraise to supplement the budget.

Scholarships:
Millsaps does NOT offer scholarships for any athletic program, including cheerleading. Scholarships are based primarily on academic performance. After evaluating academic performance other factors such as essays, involvement, need and leadership skills are taken into consideration.