USU Spirit Squad fired up and ready to give their all
When the music comes on, an entirely different side of the dancers is seen. The grace and athleticism they portray may look effortless, but it’s actually the result of countless hours of practice, passion and sheer grit. Even though they learned it only hours before, the choreography looks clean and polished.
The Aggiettes, one component of the Utah State University Spirit Squad, completed their last day of choreography camp alongside the cheer team on July 19. The camp kicks off the season with conditioning, choreography and stunts to learn that will be performed throughout the season.
Head coach Morgan Watts, a former cheerleader and Aggiette herself, has been coaching since 2020. Watts has been a part of the cheer and dance world her whole life and knew coaching was something she wanted to do.
“I knew that before I could get a position at USU, a serious position, I would have to get experience coaching high school teams, so I coached at Sky View High School. I coached their drill team as well as their cheer team,” Watts said. “And when the coaching position at USU opened up, I’m sure I was the first one to turn in my application. I did not waste any time and was super excited when I found out that the position opened. And the rest is history.”
Made up of 12 Aggiettes, 16 cheerleaders and stuntmen and two Big Blue mascots, the goal of the Spirit Squad is to encourage and show support for all sporting events on campus.
“We are a unit. The cheerleaders, the Aggiettes and Big Blue — without one of them, it just wouldn’t be the same, and each team is such an important part of the Spirit Squad,” Watts said. “It just creates a family. Once you’re on the Spirit Squad, you’re always on the Spirit Squad.”
Third-year stuntman Kortlen Sullivan cheered all four years of high school before following in his brothers’ footsteps to cheer at USU. He said it was tradition and a right of passage in his family.
“It’s kind of like being the face of the university,” Sullivan said. “If you’re having a bad game, the cheerleaders are able to hype everyone up, and it eventually turns into a whole hype fest. Be a person who gets the stadium up and roaring.”
At a typical practice, the cheer team will separately stunt, tumble and get their routines done while the Aggiettes work on technique, conditioning and any dances that will be performed. The last hour of practice is when joint and combined dance routines are worked on.
“It’s a group that works very hard and loves the school, loves the experience and loves the crowd,” Watts said. “It’s the best student experience you can get, being on the Spirit Squad, if you ask me.”
According to Watts, the squad practices Monday through Friday from 6-9 a.m. in the Spectrum and dedicates an estimated 15-25 hours a week practicing, not to mention the time spent at games and traveling.
“The bar is pretty high. They got to do it all. It’s a full-time job from August to March,” she said.
To be a member of the Spirit Squad, one must successfully make it through the audition process, which takes place the first week of April. In the first round, those trying out must submit a video to be judged virtually. If you make it through the virtual round, you are invited to the Spectrum for an in-person audition. Following that, the team is finalized.
According to Watts, about 120 audition every year, including those who have been members in previous years.
“I’m always looking for the most advanced dancers with charisma because our student section is so amazing that I feel like the dancers with the most crowd engagement are what the HURD and the crowd will respond to the very best,” Watts said. “The cheerleaders, I find a lot of local talent within the Cache Valley schools, and the guys recruit each other. They look for big guys who have experience partner stunting.”
Cheerleader Jada Osborn is a fourth-year member of the squad. She grew up doing gymnastics, joined the drill team in high school and cheered her senior year as well. Osborn is from Logan and grew up familiar with the “Aggie world”.
“You might start a new year not knowing very many people but by the end of it, you’re family,” Osborn said. “All of the closest people in my life are from the Spirit Squad. I’m excited to meet all the new people who are starting as freshmen.”
Fourth-year Aggiette Whitney Pulley grew up dancing, and when she graduated high school, she knew she wanted to further her career as a member of the Spirit Squad.
“I am so excited for this year and to see what happens. There’s something so special about being in Logan and being a part of the community and being involved with the school,” Pulley said. “Our student section is unlike any other.”
Aggiette Whitney performs at the LOBOS game during the Mountain West tournament. (Photo/ Heidi Bingham)
Pulley credited the team’s success to the coaching staff.
“Our coaches are incredible. They put in so much work and time, sacrificing so much for us. They support us unlike anyone else. They are the best mentors I’ve ever had,” Pulley said.
Coaching alongside Watts are Bronson Stolworthy, a previous Big Blue mascot, and Linsey Hammons. Watts said they are a big part of the program and help her to do the best job she can.
The time and effort put in by the coaches and members of the squad is evidenced by the way the laser-focused Spirit Squad moves in sync. The precision with which they move their bodies is juxtaposed by the way they make it look completely effortless.
“My proudest moment is their proudest moment,” Watts said. “Whenever they do a routine that they stick and completely nail, I see that they are proud of their work and in turn, I’m proud of what I do as a coach. Ultimately, that’s my goal. I want them to be proud of their work and I want them to succeed and if they feel that, those are my proudest moments. They love what they do and that makes all the difference for me.”
Pulley said although knowing it’s her last year makes it bittersweet, she is excited for the upcoming season.
“I love representing Utah State,” Pulley said. “It means so much to me, and I’m thrilled with the opportunity that I get to dance alongside so many beautiful and talented girls. It’s truly so amazing, and it’s been a privilege to do this.”