We are so thrilled that you have chosen Iowa Western to further your education. We are always looking for the people to fulfill the role as an Iowa Western ambassador and new talented athletes. Tryouts for both Game Day and Competition squads will be May 13th & 14th.

Will you be at tryouts? SIGN UP HERE!

To be eligible to try out you must be accepted to Iowa Western or a current full time student of the college. You will also need to bring the following printed items with you:

1. 2023-2024 IW Cheer Tryout Form 

2. Up to date headshot (Does not need to be professional) 

3. Proof of Acceptance

4. $20 Cash for all new incoming members

**Please have all 4 items listed above ready to hand in to make the check in process efficient and smooth. If you are missing any of the 5 items, you will be unable to begin your tryout until everything is turned in.

All candidates must be current Iowa Western students, transfer students that have been accepted to Iowa Western, or incoming freshmen who have been accepted to Iowa Western. 

We look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Raven Gau, Head Coach

Click Here to learn the Iowa Western Fight Song (Coed)

Click Here to learn the Iowa Western Fight Song (All-Girl)

Dates, Times, and Location of Tryouts Below

Times below are for Game Day and Competitive Teams. 

Please note that all tryouts will be closed to the public. 

Saturday, May 13th, 2023

Location: Central Athletics (7 S Fourth St, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503)

10am-11am check in @ Reiver Arena

11am Warm Up Begins

11:30am-1:30pm Standing & Running Tumbling (Spring Floor)

1:30pm-4pm Interviews (Time to practice for day 2 - Fight Song & Stunts)

4pm-5:30pm Dinner Break

5:30pm-7:30pm Additional practice for Day 2

Sunday, May 14th, 2023

Location: Reiver Arena (2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503)

10am Warm up Begins

12pm-130pm Fight Song & Cheer Tryout

130pm-3pm Standing & Running Tumbling Tryout (Dead Mat)

3pm-4pm Dinner Break

4pm-6pm Stunting Tryout

6:15pm Team Announced

6:30pm First Team Meeting

Note: All members report to campus August 10-11, 2023 for move in. Practices and team bonding will begin August 12th, 2023. Pre Season is mandatory for all members of the Iowa Western Cheerleading program. 

What to Wear to Tryouts

Females

• Soffe Shorts with Black Spandex underneath

• Plain black, blue, white, or gray tank top or t-shirt 

• Please do NOT show up in only a sports bra and spandex

• Cheer Shoes

• Hair 

  • Pulled back out of the face (Low or High Pony, half up/half down also acceptable)

  • Curled w/ bow

• Game Day Makeup

  • Natural Makeup

  • Bright Lipstick

Males

• Black Shorts

• Plain black, blue, white, or gray t-shirt

• Clean Shaven

  • Hair out of face

• Athletic/Cheer shoes

Note

• No Jewelry

• No Watches

• No Piercings

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are we looking for at tryouts?

We do not have any skill requirements for Game Day members. We do not require our Competitive members to have certain skills. However, we recommend and would love to see the following skills demonstrated at tryouts:

• Standing tuck

• Standing 2 backhandspring tuck, layout, or full

• Running layout or full

• Toss extensions

• Full up

• Double down for flyers (From stretch or arabesque)

• Elite of choice (Hand-in-hand recommended)

What teams do you have?

We have 2 competitive teams, a Large Coed and a Small Coed, as well as a Gameday team for those not interested in competing. (All competition members are still required to cheer Gameday, as it is part of the score sheet for Competition) 

For our Large Coed we take 12-14 females, and 12-14 males. For Small Coed we take 18-20 females (8-10 flyers, 10-12 bases/backspots), and 6-8 males. Our Gameday Team will consist of up to 20 members.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! We offer athletic scholarships to both male and female cheer members. Scholarships are awarded at tryouts in May and based upon tumbling ability, stunting ability, character displayed at tryouts, and your interview with the coaches. The only other opportunity to earn a scholarship is a pre-arrangement with the head coach and a video submission (DUE: Prior to in-person tryouts). Videos will be assessed along with in-person tryouts for scholarship. 

Our school also offers really great academic scholarships that many of our athletes receive! Scholarship Link

Who can try out for IW cheer?

Any current Reiver student meeting tryout requirements is eligible to try out. Incoming freshman and college transfers are welcome to try out as well, given they have been accepted to IWCC. You have the opportunity to try out for either Game Day Cheer or Competitive Cheer.

Does the program compete at Nationals?

Yes, the Reiver cheer team competes in Orlando, FL each year at the UCA Collegiate National Championship. In the same weekend, also in Orlando, FL,  the team also competes at the University World Cup Cheerleading Championship. The final decision on who will be in the routine will be decided on by the head coach. This decision is contingent upon academic standing and skills necessary to compete. 

Are try out sessions open to the public?

No, tryout sessions are closed to the general public. Participants will check in each day. 

Is there a height and weight requirement?

No. We do not have a certain weight or height requirement for squad members. We do ask that all members maintain the appropriate physique and are able to participate in all activities throughout the entire year. 

What is the practice schedule like?

• Practices are held 4 days a week during the fall semester with two team workouts a week. Practices typically last 3 hrs.

• Practices are held 3 days a week during the spring semester with two team workouts. 

• Study Hall is held twice a week, as well as monthly grade check-ins.

• Holiday breaks can be shortened for additional practices as needed. Practice schedule may vary and is determined by the head coach. 

What department is the spirit program under?

Iowa Western spirit program is a part of the Reiver Athletic Department. 

What are additional benefits for being a Reiver Cheerleader?

• All uniforms and accessories are paid for by Iowa Western. (Uniforms, Warm Ups, Practice Wear, Cheer Shoes, Backpack, and Accessories related to the team are provided)

  • Some items must be turned in at the end of the year. High level of care is a priority for all items provided. 

• All travel costs for out of town events and games are covered. 

  • Including transportation and per diem provided. 

• Academic tutoring services are provided.

• Paid National Competition opportunities for teams meeting qualifications and expectations.

• A supportive administration and alumni.