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Do I have to be enrolled at USAFA to be on your cheer team?
Yes, members of the Air Force Academy cheerleading team are cadets enrolled at the Air Force Academy. If you would like more information about becoming a cadet at USAFA, please visit http://www.academyadmissions.com for more details.
Who are the coaches and what are their cheerleading backgrounds?
USAFA currently employs two cheer coaches: Mr. Tony Lang and Capt. Chris Backus
Chris Backus - USAFA Class of 1999, Capt. Backus is a Communications Officer in the Air Force. Chris cheered at USAFA during his senior year and upon graduation, he moved to Georgia where he became the Varsity Cheerleading Coach at Central Fellowship Christian Academy. During his three year tour in Georgia, Chris became active in Christian Cheerleaders of America--first as a coach and then as a judge. His teams finished as the first runner up in Small Varsity in 2000 and eventually went on to win the Medium Varsity National Title in 2001. Chris was selected by the Air Force Academy to return as the Director of Spirit Programs in July of 2002.
Tony Lang - A former collegiate cheerleader and graduate of Colorado State University, Tony brings a wealth of experience to the USAFA team. His winning choreography and extensive cheering background have transformed the USAFA cheerleading team into the 13th ranked team in the nation. Tony is an NCA employee and owner of a local all-star gym. As a resident of Colorado Springs, Tony provides continuity to the USAFA program--something that has been lacking for some time at Air Force. Tony has been an assistant at Air Force since 2001.
Is your cheerleading program a varsity sport or a club team?
The USAFA Cheerleading Team is considered a varsity sport and falls under the Director of Athletics. Being classified as a Varsity Sport is crucial in several areas, with the primary area being program funding. The Air Force Academy Cheer is considered a fully funded program. As a member of the athletic department, the USAFA Cheerleading Team is sponsored by Nike.
Where do you practice and what are your facilities like?
As with any Varsity Sport, the USAFA cheerleading team has dedicated practice space in the cadet gym. The Blue Team has a doubles racquetball court that is 24' x 43'. This space allows them to fit four competition cheer mats in their room. The Silver Team currently trains on a regulation racquetball court with a wrestling mat floor. As a training tool each room is walled with mirrors. While preparing for national's competition, the team is expecting to use a facility that will allow for a complete competition floor (54' x 42'). Our athletes work out in the intercollegiate weight room and have a dedicated strength coach assigned to the team to provide hands-on assistance in cheer team workouts.
Does your squad travel to some or all away sporting events?
As a Varsity Sport, the USAFA Cheerleading Team travels to every away football game and to the Basketball Conference Championships. Some destinations over the past two years have included: Oakland CA, San Francisco CA, San Diego CA, Salt Lake City UT, New York City NY, and Las Vegas NV.
Do freshman make your varsity squad?
Yes. There are currently 3 freshman cheerleaders on the Blue Team of 16 individuals. Tryouts are usually held during the first week after Basic Cadet Training. Members of the Blue Team usually have either a standing back tuck for males or a back handspring for females, extended or toss stunts, good jumps, and outstanding cheer motions.
Do freshman make your traveling squad?
Yes! Members of the travel squad are chosen based on ability -- not on class year. In general, our traveling team members are solid on the following stunts: lib, awesome, stretch, scorpion, and arabesque. Two freshman males are currently on our travel squad.
Will my parents get to see me on TV?
Yes! In 2002, Air Force Football was televised 10 out of 12 games including a visit by ESPN's Game Day crew where cheerleaders received above average television exposure! Games in 2002 were televised on ABC regional, Sports West, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and Fox/UPN. Games in 2003 were televised on ESPN, ESPN2, and several regional broadcasts by other affiliates.
How many meals will I eat with the team per day?
As a Varsity Sport, the cheerleading team eats together at team tables for lunch.
Dinner is also generally eaten together as a team. Some cadets chose to get
their dinner "to-go" but on most occasions, groups of team members
choose to eat together for dinner.
