The competitive and sideline cheer teams at Indiana Wesleyan University each play a unique role in the IWU culture.
Zechariah Padd, a master’s student, has cheered since his freshman year. Coming in with an ice hockey and wrestling background, he described competitive cheer as one of the toughest sports he has ever done.
The competitive cheer team trains from August to March and performs at collegiate cheer competitions. Due to the intense environment and high expectations, a familial bond is deeply rooted within the group.
“The comp team gets to experience wins and losses together,” Sharikah Woeste, athletic trainer for both teams, said. “The gray team (sideline cheer) experiences the wins and losses of the team that they are cheering on or supporting.”
IWU’s sideline cheer team performs at various sporting events, such as men’s and women’s basketball and football.
Grace Sobotka, graduate assistant (GA) and sideline cheer team coach, said, “We’re rallying around other teams and keeping that light.
Aubrey Parmerlee, a senior cheerleader, shared their team motto of being genuine inside the classroom and in the community. Last winter, they partnered with the IWU Track and Field team and raised money to buy presents for children.
“I would say both teams have really high energy and good spirit when it comes to supporting each other,” Woeste said.
These Wildcats train incredibly hard, support one another and other athletes, and model Christian athleticism.
“I feel like our role (at IWU) is to just be us and worship God,” Alexus Robinson, a junior competitive cheerleader, said. “If we’re off the mat or on the mat at practice, we will worship God no matter what.”
