Louisiana State University Cheer: A Legacy of Spirit and Tradition

Cheerleading at Louisiana State University (LSU) is more than just a sideline activity; it's a deeply ingrained tradition that embodies school spirit and athletic excellence. From leading the crowds at games to competing on the national stage, LSU cheerleaders have consistently represented the university with pride and skill.

The Origins of Cheerleading: A National Overview

To fully appreciate the LSU cheerleading legacy, it's helpful to understand the broader history of the sport. Cheerleading's roots trace back to the 1880s, emerging alongside the rise of intercollegiate football. Princeton University formed an all-male pep club to bolster team spirit. In 1898, the University of Minnesota faced a football losing streak, prompting students to organize chants and cheers to rally the crowd. While cheerleading steadily grew, it wasn't until 1923 that women were allowed to participate.

The sport evolved significantly over the decades. In 1974, Jeff Webb, a former University of Oklahoma cheerleader, founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA). Operating initially from Webb's apartment in Memphis, Tennessee, UCA provided cheerleading training centered on partner stunting, pyramids, private coaching, and team building. The following year, UCA instructors Jerry Starnes and Kris Shepherd pioneered the cheer routine by synchronizing music with cheer skills during a college training camp. In 1976, UCA introduced the liberty and tossing stunts. High school cheerleading gained prominence, leading to the first championship in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1979. The 1980s brought new safety guidelines and a ban on mini trampolines, prioritizing safety and establishing universal standards. Cheerleading competitions grew in popularity, and by 1995, the National High School Cheerleading Championship moved to Disney World Resort in Florida. UCA continues to provide training to cheerleaders.

LSU Cheerleading: A Tradition of Excellence

The LSU Cheerleaders have earned a reputation as one of the top cheerleading programs in the nation. Their achievements and recognition have solidified their place in LSU's athletic history.

National Recognition and Accolades

In 1989, LSU Cheerleaders were crowned UCA National Cheerleader Champions. Nike honored the squad by naming a cheer shoe the "Tiger Flight." The National Champs starred in a Nike TV commercial and print ads. They also appeared on ESPN’s “Cheers for the Holidays,” an annual broadcast around major holidays.

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Since then, the LSU Cheerleaders have consistently achieved Top-10 finishes at ESPN’s UCA Collegiate National Championships, including several fourth-place rankings. At the 2004 championships, the LSU cheerleaders placed fifth in Division I-A competition. They have also been recognized with the Leadership Award as the "squad that everyone looks up to."

Supporting LSU Athletics

The LSU Cheerleaders play a crucial role in energizing crowds at LSU athletic events. They perform at weekly football, basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics events. They have cheered at major events such as the Sugar Bowl, Peach Bowl, Cotton Bowl, SEC Championship Football Games, and men's and women's basketball SEC and NCAA Regional Tournaments. The LSU cheerleading program has evolved into one of the most respected programs in the nation.

The LSU Tiger Girls: A Dance Team Legacy

The LSU Tiger Girls dance team has been a vital part of LSU spirit since 1997. In their first year at UDA’s summer camp, they placed first in home routine, and followed it up with a National Championship the second year. The Tiger Girls have been voted “Most Collegiate Dance Team” at UDA’s College Dance camp. The team dances at all LSU men s basketball games and has danced at the SEC Basketball Tournament. The team has been invited to appear at the Super Bowl and Sugar Bowl football games.

Mike the Tiger: A Beloved Mascot

No discussion of LSU spirit is complete without mentioning Mike the Tiger, the university's beloved mascot. Mike is a live tiger and a costumed character. The live Mike the Tiger lives in a special habitat between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mike has many fans and can be found at LSU Athletic events and community appearances. Mike was voted ESPN’s favorite mascot by sports fans from all over the country. Mike has appeared on ESPN’s UCA Mascot Championship where he placed in the Top 10.

Traditions That Define LSU

Beyond cheerleading and mascots, several traditions contribute to the unique atmosphere of LSU.

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Colors and Symbols

LSU's official colors are Royal Purple and Old Gold. One story suggests that before LSU's first football game, the coach and players bought ribbons for their jerseys, choosing from the purple, gold, and green ribbons that were sold for Mardi Gras.

"Fight for LSU": The Anthem of Victory

"Fight for LSU" is the university's official fight song.

The Golden Band from Tigerland

The Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band, also called The Golden Band from Tigerland, is famous for the first four notes of its pregame show. On game days, the band marches from the band hall to Tiger Stadium. They stop at Victory Hill, just outside the stadium, where thousands of fans gather to hear the drums as the band leaves the Greek Theatre.

One of the most loved traditions is the pregame performance at every home football game. The band starts in the south end zone. The drum major signals the band to take the field. The band marches out to a single bass drum beat, joined by the Golden Girls and color guard. The band then plays the opening of the salute, turning to face all parts of the stadium. The crowd cheers loudly. The music then speeds up and changes to "Touchdown for LSU" as the band moves across the field. In the "LSU" formation, the band plays the "LSU Alma Mater" and the "Star-Spangled Banner." They then play ""Fight for LSU"" while saluting the stadium. After changing formations, they play the second part of "Tiger Rag," which ends with the crowd chanting "T-I-G-E-R-S, TIGERS!" This is followed by the "First Down Cheer," where fans yell "GEAUX! The band also plays on first, second, and third downs when LSU is on offense. The "First Down Cheer" uses music from "Tiger Rag." The "Third Down Cheer" is based on the song "Eye of the Tiger." The song "Tiger Bandits" is played when the LSU defense stops the other team.

Supporting Groups

The Bengal Brass is a group of 60 musicians chosen from the main band. This all-brass group plays at LSU volleyball matches, gymnastics meets, and all men's and women's basketball games in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The LSU Golden Girls are a dance line that performs with the Tiger Band. They were created in 1959. Today, there are 14 to 18 dancers who try out each year. The LSU Colorguard is a flag-twirling group that started in 1971. The LSU Cheerleaders include both male and female cheerleaders. They perform at LSU football and basketball games and lead the crowd in cheers. Before home football games, the cheerleaders ride on Mike the Tiger's mobile unit and lead the team onto the field. They are on the sidelines during football games and along the baseline for basketball games. LSU's cheerleaders also compete in national competitions. The LSU Tiger Girls are a dance line for the LSU men's and women's basketball teams. This all-female squad performs at all home games and other university events. The LSU Bat Girls help the LSU Baseball program. There are 30 Bat Girls who work in teams of 10 at all home games and postseason games.

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LSU Athletics: A Comprehensive Overview

The LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers represent Louisiana State University (LSU) in NCAA Division I, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). LSU boasts teams in nine men's sports and twelve women's sports. LSU was the first school in the SEC to win at least 10 conference championships in football, men's basketball, and baseball. As of the 2017 NCAA athletic season, LSU has won 49 national team championships overall. The NCAA recognized 44 of these. Besides the main varsity teams, LSU also has many club sports. The LSU rugby team started in 1970. They play their games at the UREC Field Complex. The team has a history of success, including a 22-game winning streak in 1996-97. Recently, LSU rugby has done well in their conference, the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference. They also compete in national tournaments. The LSU men's soccer team was founded in 1964. Since 2016, they have played in the Collegiate Soccer League of Louisiana (CSLL). The LSU men's volleyball team plays in the Southern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. LSU has won 50 national team championships. This places them 19th among all schools for total national championships.

Key Athletic Facilities

LSU's athletic success is supported by a collection of top-notch facilities.

Tiger Stadium: Home to the LSU football team, known as "Death Valley." It opened in 1924 with 12,000 seats. Unique features include 5-yard line markings and "H" style goal posts.
LSU Football Operations Center: Built in 2006 and updated in 2019, this building includes the locker room, a players' lounge, weight room, and coaches' offices.
Tigers Indoor Practice Facility: Built in 1991, this climate-controlled facility is connected to the Football Operations Center.
Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC): Opened in 1972, home to the men's and women's basketball teams, the gymnastics team, and the indoor volleyball team. It can hold 13,215 people. It was renamed in honor of LSU basketball legend Pete Maravich after he passed away in 1988.
Basketball Practice Facility: Finished in 2010, connected to the Maravich Center, this has separate, full-size gyms for the men's and women's basketball teams.
Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field: Home stadium for the LSU Tigers baseball team, seating 10,326 fans.
Bernie Moore Track Stadium: The outdoor stadium for the LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers track & field teams. Built in 1969, it seats 5,680 people.
Carl Maddox Field House: The indoor stadium for the track & field teams. It was built in 1975 and updated in 2014, with seating for 2,000.
LSU Beach Volleyball Stadium: Opened in 2019, this stadium is located on LSU's campus. It has six competition courts with special sand and a cooling system.
Gymnastics Training Facility: This is where the LSU Tigers women's gymnastics team practices.
LSU Natatorium: Opened in 1985, this is the home for the LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers swimming and diving teams. It seats 2,200.
LSU Soccer Stadium: This is the home stadium for the LSU Tigers women's soccer team.
LSU Tennis Complex: Completed in 2016, this complex is home to the LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers tennis teams.
Tiger Park: Tiger Park is the home stadium for the LSU Tigers softball team. Built in 2009, it officially seats 1,289 fans.
University Club Golf Course: This golf course is home to the LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers golf teams.
LSU Golf House: This facility is a learning center for the LSU golf teams.
Martin J. Broussard Center: This center is for athletic training and helping athletes recover from injuries.
LSU North Stadium Weight Room: Also known as the LSU North Stadium weight room, this facility is for strength training and conditioning.
LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes: This center helps student-athletes improve their school skills.
University Recreation (UREC): This facility on campus is used for many club sports like basketball, indoor soccer, racquetball, swimming, and volleyball.
UREC Field Complex: This complex is used for club sports like flag football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and ultimate frisbee.

Supporting the Tigers

The LSU Tigers football team has long-standing rivalries with the Ole Miss Rebels and Tulane Green Wave. The Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame honors people from the sports program who have made a big impact on the university. To be in the Hall of Fame as an athlete, a person must have graduated from college and been nationally recognized for their amazing performance. They also need to have a good reputation for their character. The Tiger Athletic Foundation or TAF is a private, non-profit group that supports Louisiana State University (LSU) and its sports programs. It is the main source of private money for LSU athletics. Money given to TAF helps every athlete and every team at LSU. TAF provides money for scholarships, academic awards, and new or improved sports facilities.

Homecoming History

LSU's Homecoming tradition is rich with history, dating back to the early 20th century.

1922: E. L. was chosen by the alumni in a body to boost Tiger morale. Grads turned out by the thousands for the 20th meeting with the Green Wave.
1925: First “official” Homecoming Oct. in South America, relaxed on the sidelines.
1930: Dr. Charles E. Coates was crowned king.
1931: At the pep meeting, Gov. Huey P. Long spoke.
1938: reigned with a princess and seven maids. were honored. The “Purple Jackets” made their initial appearance. a reserved section and urged the Tigers to victory.
1939: Dot Pecot was crowned queenLSU v. houses, and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night.
1941: Deanie was crowned queen. The first annual Tiger Parade was held, with 52 campus organizations.
1942: LSU’s only wartime Homecoming Bonfire, dance and parade.
1946: “Victory Homecoming” Ann Jackson was crowned queen Tech Jackets It was the first official Homecoming since 1942. reunion with a parade, pep meeting, handshaking, and a bonfire.
1947: LSU v. Gym-Armory.
1948: “Ole War Skule” Mary Sue Smith was crowned queen. To honor alumni, the band played “Campus Memories” during half time.
1951: LSU v. Rebels. in the pre-game ceremony.
1952: Fran Farrell was crowned queen.
1953: LSU v. Mississippi State, 26-13 L
1954: Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Colvin was crowned queen.
1955: Linda Fields was crowned queen. Linda was the first recent Homecoming Queen to be chosen by the student body. by Tommy Crews Orchestra.
1956: Barbara Purswell was crowned queen. and the military parade.
1958: Mertie Cate Barnes was crowned queen. student body president. Day.
1959: Sandra Chudy was crowned queen

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