Students at Webster University have a lot to brag about, from nationally ranked innovative educational programs to top-ranked athletic, debate and chess teams. Now they have something new to cheer about.

Literally.

Competitive Intercollegiate Cheerleading will be the newest athletics offering at the University's campus in Webster Groves. The program will begin in the fall of 2015, making the Gorloks part of a sport which is thriving in popularity among high school and college students across the nation .

The first team try outs will be held on April 26 in Grant Gymnasium in the University Center. The team will perform and represent the Gorloks at cheerleading competitions and athletic events, including Gorlok teams' participation in St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference and NCAA III tournaments.

"This exciting addition to Webster University Athletics bolsters our offerings for young women and men who seek a college experience with opportunities to excel in academics as well as co-curricular and extracurricular pursuits," Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon said. "I am also pleased to announce that Justin Barton, an experienced, successful competitive cheerleading coach has agreed to lead and coach this new program.  Justin will do a great job and I look forward working with him in the future."

"The Webster University Competitive Cheerleading Program will be the foundation for academic and athletic spirit on campus and within the Webster University Community," said Barton, who will serve as head coach.  "I am more than honored to be a part in the development of this innovative intercollegiate opportunity that will help strengthen school spirit and instill in our students, faculty, and staff a new level of Webster pride."

Assistant Provost of Student Affairs and Athletics, Paul Carney said, "The addition of the Competitive Cheerleading Program in the Athletics Department is part of our enrollment driven strategic plan to generate revenue and provide a great experience for our students."

Coach Barton is the assistant director of the First Year Experience Program at Webster University and currently serves as the assistant cheerleading coach at Ursuline Academy.  He previously served as the head cheerleading coach at Jefferson College.  As head coach at Jefferson, the team won the Great Lakes National Cheerleading Championship and Midwest Cheer and Dance Team National Championship.  Coach Barton is a certified member of America Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA).

Current Webster students who wish to try out should contact Barton at jamesbarton41@webster.edu.  For information on tryouts click HERE.