About California Baptist University Cheerleading
California Baptist University cheerleading is an exciting program located in Riverside, California, that brings high-energy performances to Lancers athletics. The CBU cheerleading squad is a vital part of game day at the CBU Events Center for basketball and other campus events throughout the year. As a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), CBU cheerleaders represent a university with a growing athletic profile and a commitment to excellence in both faith and sport. The program combines athletic skill with community values, creating a unique environment for cheerleaders who want to perform at a high level while being part of a supportive, values-driven team.
Tryout Requirements
California Baptist University cheerleading tryouts require candidates to demonstrate the following:
- Tumbling: Standing back handspring is required; running tumbling through a tuck or layout is strongly preferred.
- Stunting: Experience in co-ed or all-girl stunting with clean, safe technique. All positions are evaluated.
- Jumps: Strong toe touches, herkies, and pikes with demonstrated height and proper form.
- Dance: Ability to learn choreography quickly and perform with energy, precision, and showmanship.
- Academics and Character: Must be a current CBU student or incoming freshman in good academic standing who aligns with the university mission and values.
What to Expect at Tryouts
CBU cheerleading tryouts are typically held in the spring. The process includes a clinic where candidates learn material such as the fight song, sideline cheers, and a dance routine. On tryout day, you will demonstrate your individual tumbling and jump skills, participate in group stunting evaluations, and perform all material taught during the clinic. The coaching staff looks for athletes who combine technical ability with the positive attitude and team-first mentality that defines the CBU program. California Baptist values coachable athletes who are committed to growing both as performers and as individuals.
Preparation Tips
Start preparing at least 8 weeks before tryouts. Work on your tumbling skills with professional coaching, focusing on your standing back handspring and running passes. Practice jumps and motions daily, recording yourself to check for sharpness and technique. Build your stamina and strength through regular conditioning. Familiarize yourself with CBU traditions and the Lancers spirit. On tryout day, wear navy and gold, arrive early, and project confidence and positivity throughout. Your energy and willingness to learn are just as important as your current skill level.
Important Information
Visit the California Baptist University Athletics website and follow the CBU cheerleading program on social media for tryout dates, clinic schedules, and registration information. Contact the coaching staff with questions about eligibility and team expectations. Being a CBU cheerleader means representing a university that combines athletic ambition with strong community values in sunny Southern California.
Conclusion
Trying out for the California Baptist University cheerleading team is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing program in an incredible location. Prepare with dedication, bring your Lancers spirit, and show the coaches what makes you a great fit. For more tryout guides, explore our articles on East Tennessee State University and Florida International University tryouts, plus our complete tryouts guide.
Official Tryout Information
Because tryout dates, eligibility standards, rosters, and staff contacts can change, always confirm the latest details with official California Baptist University sources before attending auditions or submitting materials.
- Official cheer / spirit program page
- Official tryout, recruiting, or program information
- Official staff / athletics contact page
Review those official pages for the most current tryout forms, technique expectations, medical or academic requirements, and deadlines.
California Baptist University Tryout Readiness Plan
This guide should be used as a practical preparation roadmap, not as a replacement for the school’s official tryout instructions. Cheer tryout details can change each season, so confirm the latest dates, forms, clinic options, video-submission rules, fees, and eligibility requirements through the official athletics or spirit program source before making plans.
For this type of college cheerleading tryout, candidates should prepare both performance skills and game-day presence. Coaches are often looking for athletes who can learn quickly, stay composed under pressure, represent the school positively, and contribute to a clean team image on the sideline, court, mat, or competition floor.
Skills to polish before tryouts
- Motions: hit sharp lines, clean angles, and consistent timing.
- Jumps: work on toe touches, herkies, pikes, flexibility, and controlled landings.
- Stunting: review safe grips, strong communication, body control, and role-specific technique.
- Tumbling: only show skills you can perform safely and consistently.
- Performance: practice smiling, voice projection, eye contact, and confidence after mistakes.
How to Stand Out at This Tryout
Standing out does not always mean having the hardest tumbling pass. Many college programs value athletes who are coachable, prepared, reliable, and able to represent the school well in public. Show up early, dress appropriately, know the required material, listen carefully, and respond professionally to corrections.
Use the College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory to compare other programs and the Stunts and Tumbling Hub to strengthen skill preparation. If you are newer to cheer, the Beginner Cheerleading Hub can help you build a stronger foundation before the next tryout cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I contact the program before tryouts?
If the official page provides a coach or spirit program contact, it is reasonable to ask polite, specific questions that are not already answered on the tryout page.
What should I bring to tryouts?
Bring required forms, water, snacks, cheer shoes, comfortable practice clothing, hair supplies, and any medical or insurance documentation requested by the school.
How can I improve my chances?
Prepare early, clean up fundamentals, build stamina, practice learning material quickly, and show strong attitude and coachability throughout the entire process.