The air in Hill Field House is thick. It’s that heavy, vibrating kind of humidity that only happens when a thousand people are screaming at once. If you’ve ever been to Baltimore on a game day, you know the sound. But listen closer. It’s not just the bounce of the ball or the roar of the crowd. It’s the rhythm. It’s the "Bears!" chant that seems to rattle the very foundation of the building. This is the world of Morgan State University cheer, and honestly, if you think it’s just about pom-poms and smiles, you haven’t been paying attention.
These athletes are the heartbeat of the MSU "Orange and Blue" spirit.
They’re phenomenal.
Morgan State cheerleading occupies a specific, high-pressure niche in the landscape of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While the band usually gets the Netflix documentaries and the halftime glory, the cheer squad is the constant. They are there for the tip-off, the final buzzer, and every grueling practice in between. They bridge the gap between traditional athletic prowess and the high-energy performance art that defines the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) experience.
The Grind Behind the Glamour
People see the flips. They see the towering pyramids and the flawless transitions during a timeout. What they don't see is the 6:00 AM conditioning or the repeated impact of landing on a hardwood floor that wasn't exactly designed for gymnastics. To understand Morgan State University cheer, you have to understand the sheer physical toll.
It's a sport of inches. One slightly off-center base and the whole stunt collapses.
The squad is typically composed of a diverse group of student-athletes who balance rigorous academic loads with a demanding performance schedule. Unlike some larger Power Five programs that might have separate squads for different sports, Morgan State cheerleaders are often the "iron men" of the sidelines. They support football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and maintain a competition-ready edge throughout the spring.
Why Technique Matters More Than Ever
In the world of HBCU cheer, there’s often a debate: "Stomp and Shake" vs. "Traditional Competitive Cheer." Morgan State is fascinating because they sit at the intersection of both.
Stomp and Shake is a stylistic powerhouse—heavy on vocal projection, rhythmic movements, and a sort of defiant, high-energy aggression that originated in the mid-Atlantic and Southern regions. It’s soulful. It’s loud. It’s culturally significant. However, the Morgan State University cheer program has also leaned heavily into technical stunts and tumbling.
You’ll see full-twisting layouts and intricate basket tosses that wouldn’t look out of place at a NCA (National Cheerleaders Association) collegiate championship. This hybrid style is what makes them so dangerous in a competition setting. They have the "flavor" that the crowd wants, but they back it up with the technical difficulty that judges require.
The Impact of the "Bear" Identity
The mascot is a Bear, but the cheerleaders are the ones who give that mascot its teeth. You can’t talk about the squad without mentioning the atmosphere they create at Hughes Stadium.
Have you ever seen a "State" game when the energy dips? It doesn't last long. The cheerleaders are the primary architects of the home-field advantage. They don't just lead cheers; they manage the emotional state of the stadium. If the defense needs a stop, the squad is there, inciting a wall of noise that makes it impossible for the opposing quarterback to hear his own thoughts.
There’s a deep sense of legacy here, too. Alumni often return to the sidelines, and you’ll see former cheerleaders from the 80s and 90s critiquing the current squad’s "sharpness" from the stands. It’s a family. It’s a lineage.
The Reality of Funding and Visibility
Let's be real for a second. Being a cheerleader at an HBCU isn't always about sparkling uniforms and national TV spots. It’s a constant battle for resources. While Morgan State has made strides in supporting its spirit programs, cheerleading across the board often struggles with smaller budgets compared to football or basketball.
Yet, the Morgan State University cheer program continues to produce high-level athletes.
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Many of these cheerleaders come from local Baltimore high schools or competitive "All-Star" gyms, bringing a level of polish that helps the program maintain its status in the MEAC. They are ambassadors. When the university wants to recruit new students or impress donors, the cheerleaders are the first people they call. They represent the "ideal" Morganite: disciplined, energetic, and impeccably presented.
How to Support or Join the Squad
If you’re a high school senior looking at MSU, or maybe a transfer student who thinks they have what it takes to wear the orange and blue, the process isn't a walk in the park.
- The Tryout Process: It’s grueling. You aren't just judged on your ability to tumble. They look at your "crowd appeal," your ability to pick up choreography on the fly, and your academic standing. If your GPA isn't up to par, you aren't hitting the mat. Period.
- Physical Preparation: Don't show up out of shape. The endurance required for a four-quarter football game in 90-degree heat is no joke.
- The "Look": It’s about more than just a uniform. It’s about carrying yourself with a specific kind of "Morgan Magic."
The squad often holds clinics throughout the year. These are goldmines for information. You get to interact with the current captains and see exactly what the coaches are looking for. Honestly, if you aren't attending the clinics, you're already behind the eight ball.
The Future of Morgan State University Cheer
Where does the program go from here? The goal is always more visibility. With the rise of platforms like ESPN+ and the increased national interest in HBCU culture, the Morgan State University cheer program is poised to gain a much larger following.
We’re seeing more "viral" moments. A perfectly timed stunt caught on a smartphone can reach millions of people in hours. This digital footprint is changing how the squad recruits. They aren't just looking for local talent anymore; they’re attracting athletes from across the country who want to be part of the specific vibrance that Morgan State offers.
Final Actionable Steps for Fans and Aspiring Athletes
If you want to truly engage with the program, don't just watch from the nosebleeds.
- Follow the Official Channels: The program often shares behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram and TikTok. This is where you see the "real" Morgan State University cheer—the falls, the laughs, and the raw practice footage.
- Attend the Spirit Events: Beyond game days, the cheerleaders participate in pep rallies and community service events in Baltimore. Show up. Support the "Cheer Bear" clinics if you have kids.
- Check the Requirements Early: If you're a prospective student, visit the Morgan State Athletics website and look for the spirit program tab. The requirements for tumbling (standing back tucks, etc.) change based on the squad's current needs.
Ultimately, Morgan State University cheer is a testament to the power of the "Underestimated." They work twice as hard for half the credit, and they do it with a level of grace that is frankly exhausting to watch. They are more than just a support system for the team; they are a cornerstone of the university's identity.
Next time you’re at a game, keep your eyes on the sidelines. You might just see the most impressive athletes on the field. They won't be carrying a ball, but they'll be carrying the pride of an entire institution on their shoulders. And they make it look easy. That’s the real magic of Morgan State.