NCWC Athletics Department to oversee cheerleading program

Rocky Mount, NC - North Carolina Wesleyan College has announced that its Battling Bishop cheerleading squad will now fall under the direction of the Department of Athletics. The decision to reclassify the activity came with increased interest among the NCWC Student Body and potential recruits. Former Wesleyan cheerleader Samantha McAuliffe will serve as the program’s head coach.  McAuliffe, who had served as volunteer assistant coach for the past three seasons, is excited about the transition.

“Reclassifying cheerleading under Athletics is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication that recent team members have put into the program,” said McAuliffe.  “This move shows that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.”   

McAuliffe hopes that the move will prove to be beneficial to both the institution and the athletics program as a whole.

She added, “Many young ladies and young men are seeking Colleges with viable cheerleading programs just as other athletes seek out traditional athletic programs.  Moving the program to athletics is the beginning of a strong, competitive cheerleading program here at Wesleyan, and we’re extremely excited about the upcoming season.” 

Traditional activities for the 2008-09 season include performances at all NCWC home football and basketball games, as well as participation in the USA South Conference Cheerleading Championship hosted by CheerSport in Charlotte, NC on November 16, 2008.  The squad will host private camps for middle and high schools to fundraise for equipment and travel needs that arise during the year.  

Additional activities have the Bishops making appearances in and around the Rocky Mount area. In the past, the squad has performed for various events sponsored by the American Heart Association, United Way, and Red Cross. The upcoming season will also see the Bishops host their first Cheerleader Reunion.  More information about such appearances will be provided via the world wide web at http://annex.ncwc.edu/athletics/cheerleading/index.htm.

McAuliffe graduated from NC Wesleyan in 2005 and recently completed her Master’s Degree at East Carolina University.  She is NCSSE Safety Certified and is a Certified Cheerleading Judge through Cheer Ltd.  She will be assisted by volunteer assistant coach Michele Winstead, who returns for her sixth season with the squad. Like McAuliffe, Winstead is an NCWC graduate with two certifications.

NCWC’s current roster includes seven females and one male. Tryouts will be held again in September to fill the team’s remaining slots.  For more information on tryouts and/or any of the information provided above, please contact Coach McAuliffe at 252-985-5140 or smcauliffe@ncwc.edu.