Cheerleading
Our Program
Azusa Pacific University’s cheerleading program prides itself on a history of excellence, and continues to build upon its past success. Setting high goals and striving to keep God First, APU cheerleaders are women of achievement and character within their communities.
The program consists of two squads: a competition squad and a spirit squad. The spirit squad is an all-girl dance team, which leads APU fans in cheering on both the football team and men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Azusa Pacific’s Competition Squad travels around the state and across the country, competing in the NCA Collegiate National Championships and the USA College National competition, among others. This squad’s recent achievements include:
2008-09
- West Coast Champions, UCA
- Second Place, USA Nationals
- Sixth Place, NCA Nationals
- Champions, King of the Bleachers
- Champions, Xtreme Games
- Champions, FCC West Coast
- Champions, Best of the West
2007-08
- Sixth Place, NCA Nationals
- West Coast Champions (First Place), UCA
- Third Place, USA Nationals
2006-07
- Fourth Place, NCA Nationals
- West Coast Champions (First Place), UCA
- Third Place, USA Nationals
2005-06
- Fifth Place, NCA Nationals
- Second Place, USA Nationals
Program Goals
- Support Cougar athletic teams
- Encourage athletic fans and promote Cougar pride
- Facilitate spiritual, academic, and athletic success in each athlete
- Represent both APU and Jesus Christ with excellence
Program Distinctives
- God First—always
- One of few four-year universities on the West Coast with a nationally competitive cheerleading program
- Oldest, most established cheerleading program in GSAC
- Scholarships available based on need and talent
- National competition opportunities
“I didn’t think that there was a school that combined cheerleading excellence
with a Christian education, but there is—APU!”
Lyndsey Helin ’10
Our Schedule
The competition squad practices three to four times a week beginning at the end of August. Practice schedules during the school year are based upon a variety of factors including the class schedules of our upper-classmen. This squad performs at home football games and some home basketball games. Mandatory cheer camp is held each summer at APU two to three weeks before classes start. Due to the time commitment involved with the competition squad, cheerleaders cannot participate in a music ensemble, theater production, or intramural sport. The competition schedule for 2009-10 will include approximately eight events, and will be posted by late September.
The spirit squad practices an average of three times a week, and performs at all home football and most men’s and women’s home basketball games. The possibility of competing in local dance team competitions is currently under consideration.
“This is the best all-girl, competitive squad at a Christian university in the nation.
Outstanding coaching, passionate cheerleaders, and a competitive program make this a top school
that any cheerleader should consider.”
John Blake, Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders
About the Coach
Coach Colleen Kausrud is in her fourth year as Azusa Pacific University’s cheerleading coach, and has an extensive background in competitive cheer and fitness training. Kausrud has been the West Coast representative for the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) for the past four years, coaching and instructing at numerous camps and clinics. For four years, she was the competition coach at Western Christian High School in Covina, California, during which time the team won several championships. Kausrud is certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA), is president of the National Christian Fitness Association (NCFA), and is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified fitness and kickboxing instructor.
