The historic Convocation Center is where you can find the elite student-athletes of UTSA cheer in action at their early morning practices. Head coach Ashley Johnson and some of the program’s leadership team talked about what a game week looks like for these dedicated athletes.

The average game week

A regular game week during football season for UTSA cheer consists of four to five practices per week. These practices are broken up into early mornings and some early afternoons. Two days out of the week after practice, they head straight to the  Roadrunner Athletic Center of Excellence building for strength and conditioning for about an hour. Team study hall has also been incorporated into their schedule on a weekly basis. Thursday morning or on Friday afternoon, the squads head to the Alamodome for a run through of how game day performances will take place. The purpose of this is to ensure everyone is on the same page and performing as one unit on game day.

When football is on the road, you can still find UTSA cheer at the Convocation Center supporting UTSA volleyball or hosting cheer clinics. With basketball season around the corner, the squad will attend both the men’s and women’s games as the teams alternate playing at home. Although basketball and football games are fairly spread out, there will be a slight overlap of all three schedules for UTSA cheer this fall.

Events

         UTSA students will likely see the cheerleaders and Rowdy at many campus events and in the San Antonio community. Appearances by the cheerleaders and Rowdy at events are requested by the university or businesses. Junior cheerleader Olivia Merrill shared something new that the team is doing this season. Once a month, the program will be going into the San Antonio community to volunteer.

“This is to help the community while still representing and supporting athletics,” Merrill said. This past week, the squad ventured to the San Antonio Food Bank to volunteer during their practice time.

Football season

         Olivia’s favorite part about football season is seeing the love for UTSA and the community come together. “It’s amazing seeing so many people excited to be there for a game,” Merrill said.

Senior and program leader, Valerie Ramos, shared her favorite moments from this season as well. “I enjoy the games, but being [in my] fifth year, I’ve seen it already. It’s more about cherishing the moment and time on [the] field, with the team I’m with right now. Every game is one less as a UTSA cheerleader. I’m taking it all in before my time is done.” 

Dynamic and culture of UTSA Cheer

Coach Johnson weighed in on the culture of the sport and the program. Not only does she express their dedication but their drive and competitive nature as well. As a proud UTSA Alum, Johnson stated, “The greatest thing is growing at the beginning of the season and seeing their mind grow of what it means to be a Roadrunner. My heart is full seeing the athletes’ growth and seeing the growth of the university from then to now.”

This group plays a vital role in being ambassadors for the university, supporting all areas of UTSA  —  not only athletics. Along with being heavily involved with the community, some of these student-athletes have part-time jobs with a full course load. UTSA cheer has its own season to prepare for all while playing a vital role at UTSA and in the community. The cheerleaders and Rowdy’s season is practically year-round. Their preparation and training is not only for — football, volleyball and basketball season — but the program’s goal every year is to compete at NCA College Nationals in Daytona, Florida in the spring. 

For Johnson, her role as a teacher and coach for the past 14 years has reflected her perspective on athletics and academics. 

“Academics and the sport should be balanced. As athletes [are] a part of this program, their purpose is to be an ambassador for the university. The biggest misconception is that cheer gets whatever they want, but they work hard to raise 45% of their budget, which includes Rowdy. There’s not enough funding for a group that is so highly demanded from the president’s office to the community.” 

Johnson mentioned the student vote on Oct. 25 and 26 on the proposed increase of athletics fee. 

“This program is something people should know about when it comes to that vote. A little support goes such a long way for a cheer program, along with Rowdy.”

You’ll be able to find UTSA cheer and Rowdy along the sideline this weekend at the UTSA football game, against the UAB Trailblazers at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Alamodome.