The Texas State Spirit Program (cheerleaders and mascots) serve as ambassadors for the university and are at the forefront of spirit building, particularly at Bobcat athletic events. In addition to providing spirit for the Bobcats at all home football, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball games, selected members from the All-Women, Coed, and Mascot squads often get the opportunity to represent Texas State beyond the borders of San Marcos by traveling to away athletic events or providing spirit at university sponsored functions.

Annually, the spirit program competes at the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s College National Championships which are held every January at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The program has seen much success in recent years having won the 2000, 2003 and 2006 All-Girl National Championships and winning the 2006 United Spirit Association College Mascot National Championship in Las Vegas, NV.

The program only carries the finest student-athletes in and out of uniform and prides itself on representing Texas State University and establishing Bobcat Pride throughout Central Texas.

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Q: How can I get more information about trying out for the cheerleading squad?
The Texas State Spirit Program holds auditions every Spring for the upcoming school year. For more information on tryouts click here.

Q: How can I book a cheerleader and/or Boko for an appearance?
Texas State Cheerleaders love bringing spirit and fun to all athletic events. They can bring the same excitement and fun to your social, private or fundraising event. To request a cheerleader and/or Boko for your event please fill out an appearance request form.

Q: How many cheer/mascot squads does Texas State have?
Texas State has two cheer squads. (One All-Girl squad and one Co-Ed squad - Click Here to meet the team). The program carries several mascots as Boko is extremely popular. Two suits are used at any given time.

Q: Does Boko do personal appearances such as birthday parties?
Yes Boko loves entertaining Bobcat fans and kids. If you would like to submit a request to have Boko attend your special event contact him by clicking here.

Q: Is it hard for you to see through the mascot suit? Is it hot inside there?
Boko is a professional and spends several hours working on his tricks and entertainment skits so that he can bring joy to Bobcat fans and kids who watch him. Boko can see everything that happens at a game and only gets hot under the collar when he sees the Strutters or the Texas State Cheerleaders.

Q: Hey Boko, what is your favorite food?
Hmmm...My favorite food is Cat nip and anything from Jones Dining Hall. See all of Boko's favorites by clicking here.

Q: Where does Boko live?
Boko lives at Bobcat Stadium and has a fall home in Strahan Coliseum. Boko has a lair in both places where he keeps all his cool toys and can be readily available to cheer on the Bobcats. During my slows times I like watching Garfield and eating Cat nip.

Q: Do you offer scholarships or out of state tuition waivers?
Yes, the program offers scholarships to select individuals of the program.

Q: Do I need an invitation to attend a tryout session?
You DO NOT need an invitation to attend the mascot tryouts or the Team tryouts. Anyone willing to tryout must fill out the tryout packet and submit it on or before the first day of tryouts. Click here for more info on tryouts.

Q: Who pays for any travel related to cheerleading?
The Texas State Athletics department pays for travel to away games. Travel to the national competition comes from fundraising efforts by the cheerleaders and mascots.

Q: Would I be able tryout for both squads?
Yes. (i.e. If you choose to tryout for the All-Girl squad and are not chosen, you can then request consideration for the Co-ed squad.) It is still highly recommended that you tryout with as many skills as possible so that you are a great fit to any squad.

Q: What’s the difference between the two squads, besides the obvious? Such as, performances, cost etc?
We treat both squads the same. Everyone who is trying out is trying out for the Texas State Spirit Program not a particular squad even though we know there are some differences. However, each cheerleader will be required to attend all practices, raise the same amount of money and receive the same equipment (i.e. uniform, shoes, etc.). Each squad is also required to attend the same number of games.

Q: When and where is Cheer Camp?
We attend the first college UCA camp for the summer held on the campus of Texas State University, normally around mid-July.

Q: What type of hours are dedicated to cheerleading each week?
Anywhere from 10 to 15 hours a week. (Three 2-hour practices a week, two 2-hour strength and conditioning workouts a week plus any games for the week. Cheerleaders cheer at football, volleyball and basketball games. Both squads cheer at every football game and rotate cheering at all other games.

Q: Does the program compete at nationals?
Historically, both squads compete at Universal Cheerleading Association’s College National Championships in Orlando, FL in January.

Q: Is there a height and weight requirement?
No!! We do not maintain a height and weight requirement. We do require that all potential members maintain the appropriate physique in order to participate in the required movements.

Q: If I want to work on my skills for tryouts is there anything I can do?
Yes. Texas State Cheer hosts several open practices, camps and clinics throughout the year. Persons looking to improve their skills can look into attending one of these events. For more details on upcoming camps, clinics or open practices to the tryouts page.

Q: How many people normally tryout at Texas State?
Each year is different.

Q: What are you looking for in a Texas State cheerleader?
At Texas State we look for cheerleaders who are well-rounded student-athletes. We are a university first so we want our cheerleaders to graduate and achieve in the classroom. Throughout the year the program does class checks and the cheerleaders are encouraged to use the Athletic Academic Center. Second, we want well mannered, spirit-oriented cheerleaders who represent the university. Third, we want athletes who can compete and bring championships to Texas State.

If you have any questions that we did not answer, please send your question to to one of our cheer coaches.