The cheerleaders wore their “ACU Wildcat Cheerleader” T-shirts during Wildcat Week’s pep rally. (Photo by Lydia Lawson)

ACU cheerleaders are without uniforms due to an increase in team members.

The team grew from last year and now consists of 18 women and two men. Jamie Forrest, cheerleading coach, said the team decided not to go with full uniforms until all members have one.

“We do have the others on order, and they should be here within three weeks,” Forrest said. “So for our first home game, we’ll be in full uniform.”

Cheerleader Gorgi Hannah, junior accounting major from Kansas City, Missouri, said for the time being, they have decided to wear “ACU Wildcat Cheerleader” T-shirts because everyone on the squad has one, and it’s a way for them to look uniform.

“We’re just excited for the school year and excited to rock our new uniforms with our Div. I title,” Hannah said.

Until new uniforms are received, a select number of cheerleaders will attend away games. For the first game – Sept. 3 against California State University, Fresno – six cheerleaders plus a mascot will attend and cheer in uniform.

The team was also forced to retire several older uniforms that did not have the trademarked ACU logo but are selling the uniforms as a fundraiser.

“Last year we sold some to younger kids and alumni, and we still have some of those older uniforms up for grabs as well,” Forrest said.

Though the squad has already increased in size, there are still spots available. Forrest said they are hoping to add another four to six men and women to the team.

Formal tryouts will most likely be at the end of this semester for the beginning of basketball season, Forrest said.

For more information on tryouts, or to buy an old uniform, contact Forrest at jlf14a@acu.edu.