Heidelberg adds STUNT (competitive cheerleading) as varsity sport

Several weeks after adding men's and women's swimming and Esports, Heidelberg University has announced plans to add STUNT as a varsity sport for the 2023-24 academic year. STUNT becomes the 24th varsity sport, now under the leadership of Athletic Director Greg Cooper. 

STUNT, now recognized as an emerging sport with the NCAA, is a form of competitive cheerleading that is growing in popularity. Competing in the spring, STUNT is a head-to-head competition between two schools that "execute skills-based routines in various categories – partner stunts, jumps & tumbling, pyramids & tosses and team routines." 

Heidelberg will become the second OAC school to add STUNT. The team will train at the Tiffin YMCA and can host competitions in Seiberling Gymnasium.  

"As we were evaluating our sports sponsorship plans, STUNT was high on our list from the beginning. As an emerging sport in the NCAA, it is an opportunity to be ahead of the curve in the national landscape," said Cooper. "STUNT complements our existing programs as a spring indoor sport while providing female student-athletes an opportunity to compete at the collegiate level."

As a spring sport, STUNT -- created by USA Cheer -- does not infringe on the traditional cheerleading opportunities for football and basketball.  

Heidelberg now offers 11 women's varsity sports (basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, STUNT, swimming, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, and volleyball) and 11 men's varsity sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, and wrestling). Two sports, cheerleading and Esports, are co-ed.  

Highly motivated individuals interested in applying for one of the head coaching positions can inquire and apply on the Heidelberg website.