Let The SHSU Spirit Programs Compete

The Issue

The SHSU spirit programs (Coed Cheer, All Girl Cheer, The Orange Pride Dance Team, and our mascot Sammy The Bearkat) Compete every year at UCA for partner and group stunt and every single program competes at NDA and NCA in

-All Girl, Coed, Jazz Dance, Team Dance, Mascot, Group Stunt, and Partner Stunt

On 12/5/22, after allowing the teams to begin choreography and competition season, the teams were told they would not be allowed to compete at Nationals this year without being given a reason as to why. 


This program is the program that has earned the most national titles at the university with almost 30 titles combined. 

Conveniently- This decision comes after football season is over- Where spirit programs supports the team at every game on the sidelines. If this was any other sport this would not even be a consideration. 

Athletes come from all over the country to compete with these teams and be coached by the fantastic coaches that run the programs here. They get 1 shot every year to showcase their program on a national level- Which leads to growth for the next year due to exposure and opportunity that can be showcased directly in the community potential members come from.

We, the alumni STRONGLY urge SHSU to reverse their decision and allow these incredible athletes the opportunity they deserve to finish their season and show their talents at UCA/NCA/NDA this season. #LetSHSUCompete 

12,723

The Issue

The SHSU spirit programs (Coed Cheer, All Girl Cheer, The Orange Pride Dance Team, and our mascot Sammy The Bearkat) Compete every year at UCA for partner and group stunt and every single program competes at NDA and NCA in

-All Girl, Coed, Jazz Dance, Team Dance, Mascot, Group Stunt, and Partner Stunt

On 12/5/22, after allowing the teams to begin choreography and competition season, the teams were told they would not be allowed to compete at Nationals this year without being given a reason as to why. 


This program is the program that has earned the most national titles at the university with almost 30 titles combined. 

Conveniently- This decision comes after football season is over- Where spirit programs supports the team at every game on the sidelines. If this was any other sport this would not even be a consideration. 

Athletes come from all over the country to compete with these teams and be coached by the fantastic coaches that run the programs here. They get 1 shot every year to showcase their program on a national level- Which leads to growth for the next year due to exposure and opportunity that can be showcased directly in the community potential members come from.

We, the alumni STRONGLY urge SHSU to reverse their decision and allow these incredible athletes the opportunity they deserve to finish their season and show their talents at UCA/NCA/NDA this season. #LetSHSUCompete 

Support now

12,723


The Decision Makers

Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University
Student Affairs
SHSU Dean of Students
SHSU Dean of Students
Dean of Students

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Petition created on December 6, 2022