NDSU Cheerleaders - Spirit And Dedication

Kenneth Wunsch 16 Jun 2025

For anyone who has ever felt the electric buzz of a game day at North Dakota State University, you probably know there's a special kind of energy that just fills the air. It's almost like a living thing, that feeling, and a big part of it comes from the folks who stand on the sidelines, cheering on the Bison. These individuals, the NDSU cheerleaders, are more than just performers; they're very much a vital part of the whole game day experience, helping to get the crowd going and keeping spirits high, no matter what. They show up for the home football games, definitely, and you'll see them at basketball contests too, bringing their enthusiasm to every single moment.

Their role, you know, it goes a bit beyond just being there for the big sporting events. These cheer team members, and even the mascot program participants, are actually representatives of the university itself, and the athletics department too. They carry a lot of responsibility, in a way, showing the world what NDSU is all about. Sometimes, you'll find them out and about in the community, lending a hand at different gatherings or special functions, really connecting with people and sharing that Bison pride. It's a pretty big commitment, really, to be such a visible and active part of the school's public face.

This group has, over the years, become a symbol of the school's long and rich past, and its really passionate base of supporters who come from all over the country. To represent this school, to lead the crowd in cheers, it’s a privilege, they say. They get to cheer for the university's top-tier football and basketball teams, and sometimes, they even get to travel to big events, like conference or national showdowns. They are, in essence, ambassadors for the university and its sports programs, carrying that spirit wherever they go, which is, you know, a pretty cool thing to do.

What Do NDSU Cheerleaders Do?
- The Role of NDSU Cheerleaders
Who Guides the NDSU Cheerleaders?
- Meet the Current Leadership
- Looking Back at NDSU Cheerleaders' Past Challenges
How Does One Become an NDSU Cheerleader?
- The Path to Joining the NDSU Cheerleaders
What About the Future of NDSU Cheerleaders?
- A Strategic Pause for NDSU Cheerleaders
Where Can You See NDSU Cheerleaders?
- Connecting with NDSU Cheerleaders
Beyond the Sidelines - The Wider Community
- Supporting Cheerleading Across North Dakota

What Do NDSU Cheerleaders Do?

The Role of NDSU Cheerleaders

The NDSU cheer team, you know, is a mixed group of young men and women. They are there to support the teams at home football games, and they travel for some of the away ones too. When it comes to basketball, they are present at all the home games for both the men's and women's teams. They even make trips for postseason away games for both basketball squads, which is, you know, quite a bit of travel. Their schedule is pretty packed, actually, making sure they are there to pump up the crowd when it matters most.

Beyond the court and field, these individuals are very much representatives of the university and its sports department. They might also show up at various community events, for instance, helping out or just showing their support. It’s a way for them to connect with the wider area, really, and show the good spirit of the school. They take their role seriously, knowing that they are a public face for NDSU, which is, in some respects, a big deal.

The team members get to cheer for NDSU's top-level football and basketball teams. They also have chances to go on road trips to special events, like big conference or national competitions. This gives them a chance to experience different places and, like, meet new people, all while representing their school. They also serve as official representatives for the university and its sports programs, making sure the NDSU name is seen in a positive light, which is, you know, pretty important.

Their regular practice sessions happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is pretty consistent. On top of that, they have specific training for stunts and tumbling twice a month. These extra sessions are pretty intense, I mean, they really help them build the skills they need to perform those impressive moves. The team also shows up at various pep rallies and parades, too, bringing their energy to different kinds of gatherings. It's a lot of work, really, to keep up with all those commitments, but they seem to love it.

Who Guides the NDSU Cheerleaders?

Meet the Current Leadership

Tammy Duursma was named the cheer team coach at North Dakota State University in April of this year, actually, 2024. She comes from Bismarck, North Dakota, originally, and brings with her two decades of experience in teaching and coaching. This includes two years where she served as an assistant coach for the NDSU cheer team, from 2004 to 2006, so she's got some history with the group. She is, you know, an NDSU former student and a past member of the cheer team herself, which means she has a deep passion for NDSU and for cheerleading. It's almost like she was made for this role, given her background.

Looking Back at NDSU Cheerleaders' Past Challenges

Our group that looks into things, you know, found some claims of bad treatment against Verona Winkler, who used to be the NDSU cheer coach. It's a tough thing to hear about, definitely. Someone who was an NDSU cheerleader from 2008 to 2011 just said, "I guess I was just saddened." It shows that these kinds of things can really stick with people, you know, and leave a lasting impression. It's a reminder that even in sports, there can be difficulties that affect the people involved, which is, you know, something to think about.

How Does One Become an NDSU Cheerleader?

The Path to Joining the NDSU Cheerleaders

To be a certified cheer coach in North Dakota, there are certain steps you have to follow, which are listed under the rules section on a specific website. It's not just something you can jump into, you know, there's a process to make sure everyone is properly trained and ready. The North Dakota Cheer Coach Association also puts out important dates to remember for those looking to get certified or stay up to date. This helps keep everyone on the same page, which is, you know, pretty helpful for planning.

All the head cheer coaches are required to take a test on spirit rules, and this test is done online, which is pretty convenient. They send out a notification once the test is ready to take online, so you know when to expect it. This makes sure that everyone in a leadership position has a good grasp of the rules and safety measures, which is, like, really important for the well-being of the cheerleaders. It's a way to maintain a certain standard across the board, which is, you know, a good thing.

Our association provides services for cheer coach certification, offers memberships, and handles event sign-ups. We've also reached some important goals in making cheerleading better and safer, which is something we are pretty proud of. We invite people to join us and become a part of our enthusiastic group. It's a place where people who care about cheerleading can come together and make a difference, which is, you know, pretty cool.

What About the Future of NDSU Cheerleaders?

A Strategic Pause for NDSU Cheerleaders

The cheer team at North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, recently announced that they are taking this year off from performing. This decision by NDSU to step back from cheerleading for a year is a thoughtful move to make the program stronger for the future. They are doing this by putting more effort into finding new members, which is, you know, a pretty smart way to go about it. It’s about building a solid foundation for what’s to come, which is, you know, a good long-term plan.

While there might not be cheerleaders on the sidelines this year, fans of the Bison can still expect a lively atmosphere at sports events. The school is working to ensure that the spirit is still there, even without the traditional cheer squad. It means that the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the games will still be a big part of the experience, which is, you know, what everyone wants. It's a different approach, but it seems like they are thinking ahead, which is, you know, a responsible way to manage things.

There was some talk about NDSU cheer being back and returning to the sidelines this fall, with people being really excited for their return. There are, you know, a lot of people who were really looking forward to seeing them back in action. This just goes to show how much the community values the cheerleaders and their contribution to game day. It's clear that their presence is missed when they are not there, which is, you know, a testament to their impact.

Where Can You See NDSU Cheerleaders?

Connecting with NDSU Cheerleaders

Most of the cheerleaders take part in both home and away football games, which is, you know, a pretty big commitment. The same cheer team that performs for football also cheers for the men's basketball games. This means they are pretty busy during the sports seasons, going from one event to another, keeping that energy going. They are a constant presence at the big games, helping to make them memorable for everyone watching, which is, you know, their main goal.

You can find their official page for the University of North Dakota cheer team, which has quite a following, with over a thousand likes and many people talking about it. This is a great way for fans and interested individuals to stay connected and see what the team is up to. It's a place where they can share updates and, like, interact with their supporters, which is pretty common these days. It helps build a community around the team, which is, you know, pretty important for any group.

Beyond the Sidelines - The Wider Community

Supporting Cheerleading Across North Dakota

The North Dakota Cheer Coaches Association (NDCCA) started a competition with the hope of giving cheerleaders from all over North Dakota a chance to show what they can do. It was also meant to let them perform in front of a crowd that came just to see them, which is, you know, a pretty special opportunity. Cheerleaders give so much of themselves to their school, their team, and their community, so the NDCCA wanted to provide a place where the cheerleaders themselves would be the main focus. It's a way to give back to them, really, for all their hard work and dedication.

There's always something happening at North Dakota Elite, which suggests a lively and active environment for cheerleading development. This kind of place is really important for young athletes who are looking to improve their skills and get involved in the cheer world. It offers consistent opportunities for training and growth, which is, you know, what aspiring cheerleaders need. It's a good sign that the cheerleading community in the area is pretty strong and supportive, which is, like, a positive thing.

Athletics | University Relations | NDSU

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