About Cheerleading

Cheering at CSS!

What is cheerleading like at CSS?

We have two squads at CSS: one that cheers on football/men’s basketball, and one that cheers on men’s hockey (although we have a "one squad" philosophy - no one squad is more important than another – and work hard to show support to all of our student athletes and teams). We are a year-long club, which means that even when you are not actively cheering for a sport, you are required to attend all fundraising and volunteering functions (1-2 times per month). Our squad utilizes peer-to-peer mentoring, which means that we rely heavily on those with previous cheer experience to teach and manage the day to day functions of the team.  Practices are led by student captains. This gives each cheerleader the opportunity for input, strong team interactions, and opportunities to work on leadership skills. 

Practices are 2-3 nights per week, about 2-3 hrs. each. For special performances, events, etc. there may be more practices added – usually around homecoming and for a winter performance. Games vary, but there are usually 5-7 home football games, and 10-12 basketball/hockey games.

The football/basketball squad has a few special events: we have a 2 night overnight practice session during the summer, and the football squad moves in before school starts by usually 1 1/2-2 weeks. We need that time to prepare for the season, as our first games are usually RIGHT after school starts, and homecoming is not too far behind. These are required.

Does it cost anything to be on the squad?

There is an out of pocket cost associated with cheering at CSS. With football, the start up out-of-pocket cost is around $300. This includes a nice warm up suit, shoes, spanks, crop top and bow -all of which you keep. We try to use the same basics from year to year (and squad to squad) to help reduce costs. Hockey squads usually have an out of pocket of around $150. These are mandatory costs/items required to be on the squad and anything you purchase, you get to keep. In addition, we have the chance to buy OPTIONAL apparel during the year such as hoodies, sweatpants, etc. I don't want cost to ever be an issue. If cost is a concern, I will gladly work with anyone and set up payment plans to help spread the costs out over the season.

What are tryouts like?

Try-outs are usually in the spring for the football/basketball squad, and in the fall for the hockey squad.  Those who attend learn cheers, dances, jumps and are asked to try out at the end of the day.  Tryouts are open to anyone regardless of skill level or previous experience.   

What skills are required?

We don’t have any required skills to be a cheerleader. You do not need previous cheer experience. However, you must be willing to work hard, and if you don’t have experience, you will need to work even harder to get the basics down on your own outside of practice.