There is more to these Commerce cheerleaders than a smile and a cheer.
“We participate in a lot of student affairs,” said Cheerleading director Kelly Daily.
Commerce cheerleaders not only find time to practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at six p.m. in the field house, but they give equal amount of time in helping to ensure a better Commerce community. Throughout the year, the girls host camps for high school students, help out at university events such as the pride walk and main event, as well as go to the games for other sports in order to show their support and school pride.
Daily instills in these girls a sense of moral values and character by leading by example.
“I try not to give them expectations or attitudes I wouldn’t demonstrate,” said Daily.
So far, these girls have taken heed to this example and followed it, improving the cheerleading program over the years.
“The squad this year is fairly new. Most of the team of 14 is freshmen, five are returnees, and one is a transfer student,” said Daily.
Still, Daily assures that the same expectations and successful programs that these young ladies committed to in the past will be carried on this year. Head cheerleaders Elaine Morris and Whitney Craver have great expectations to live up to and to ensure that all others follow.
Besides being compassionate, these girls are tough. Cheerleading involves injuries, which include the wrist and ankle and occasionally pulling the hamstring, though only three injuries occurred last year.
Becoming a cheerleader can help one get involved in community service, campus activities, and different social and leadership roles.
“The girls’ reputation on campus, I think, is very positive,” said Billie Marshall, a sophomore at the university. “You see them on campus doing many things.”Daily and the A&M-Commerce cheerleaders welcome all, especially males, to try out for the team. Try-outs are in April. Requirements for the team include being accepted to the university and/or being a full-time student.