This is a brief history of the SFA Cheerleading program, submitted by Coach Matthew Sturko.
Our story begins in 1988 when Jeff Dickerson becomes a member of the Stephen F. Austin Cheerleading squad. At this time the squad consisted of a total of 10 cheerleaders who were chosen by the 10 highest scores from tryouts (regardless of gender). The Head cheerleader acted as "Coach" as well and had total control of the direction the squad would take.
That summer the squad attended UCA Collegiate Camp in San Marcos and received the "Most Improved" award at camp. After coming from the #1 Jr. College squad in the nation, Jeff realized that SFA needed direction and a goal to strive for if they ever wanted to be anything more than just an average spirit squad.
The year was filled with games to cheer at and classes to attend, but a National Competition was not even considered. But that was soon to end..."A time for a Change"
In 1989, Jeff became the Head Cheerleader and chose to switch to NCA ( National Cheerleaders Association) and provide more direction to his small group of 5 couples.
The squad achieved some success at NCA summer camp and was awarded an invitation to compete at the NCA Collegiate Nationals Competition that was held in the Dallas Convention Center in January.
Jeff knew he had his work cut out for him to prepare the squad to compete in what was considered to be one of the toughest divisions at Nationals, (Div IAA, II, III, and Junior Colleges). Even though the top squads had an average of 18 people (9 couples) on the their team, SFA was competing with a mere 10.
After months and months of grueling practices the competition day finally arrives. The routine looks good and hopes are high. The music begins to fill the convention center, the first stunt sequence begins. Then BAM -- A knee injury is suffered by a male member of the squad within the first 5 seconds of the routine. This leaves only 4 guys and 5 girls on the mat. As the routine continues each member remaining starts to realize that there is not enough people left to complete ANY pyramid and most basket tosses. This is were what we like to call, "HUMAN CHESS", begins.
After "strategically" moving around the mat for 3 minutes the routine comes to a merciful end. Out of the 26 teams competing, SFA finished a disappointing 26th.
Was the vision gone???
For the 90-91 season, Jeff decides to step out of the role of cheerleader and put more focus into being the 1st Cheerleading Coach that SFA would have.
Jeff was able to increase the squad by 4 people bringing the total to 14. This was also the 1st year that Freshmen were allowed to tryout. There were 2 people that returned and 12 that were new to the program, 5 of which were Freshmen.
Heavy recruiting was done in order to bring in the most talented individuals possible. Everyone that made the squad had one thing in mind.... That was being a National Champion. This was not the most talented squad in the nation but they worked well as a unit and they would mark a turning point for SFA.
By the time Nationals rolled around there wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that we wouldn't bring home the championship. After 2 days of competition and 28 squads SFA places a disappointing yet outstanding 6th.
By the time the 91-92 season rolls around, SFA has increased the squad to 7 Guys and 9 girls. The summer camp would prove great success for this young and growing squad. We boasted several Collegiate All-Americans and took home 1st in the Fight Song competition. The Confidence level and talent level of the group is growing by leaps and bounds.
This would mark the year that would affect every squad to come. Jeff thought that there needed to be a unity to the squad that would hold together not only the present squad but would hold together every cheerleader that ever passed through the doors of SFA. Thus the creation of LCLM. Those that have been here hold it dear to there hearts and those that have yet to come can only see it in the faces of those who have lived it.
Recent History
- 1994 SFA won its first National Championship at the NCA Collegiate National Championships in Dallas TX.
- 1995 Former SFA Cheerleader Craig Dickerson takes brother Jeff Dickerson's place as the new SFA cheerleading coach.
- 1997 SFA won a second National Championship at the NCACollegiate National Championships in Daytona Beach Florida.
- 1998 Former SFA Cheer Captain Matthew Sturko takes over as the new SFA cheerleading head coach (presently still coaching).
- 2000 SFA won a third National Championship along with the overall high score for the competition and gaining the Grand National Champion title at the NCA.
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