​1985

Under the direction of Coach Don Collins, a graduate and former cheerleader at
James Madison University, Slippery Rock University began its first ever coed
cheerleading squad.

1986

In 1986, after only one year in existence, the Rock Cheerleaders captured the
Division II national cheerleading title. Their performance aired on the ESPN
Network giving Slippery Rock University national recognition. Team members on
the 86 team: Rob Andrejcik, Sandy Banks, Grave Caraveggio, Michelle
Coleman, Jodi Dilner, Stacey Dunkelberger, Doug Fritz, Missy Green, Monica
Greggs, Dan Hostert, Joey Joswiak, Ray Maguire, Don Perrine, and Pat Scanlon.

1987

Coach Don Collins left SRU to accept a position at North Carolina Chapel Hill and
to coach the Tar Heel Cheerleaders where he still coaches today. Larry Tolliver, an
Ohio State cheerleader, assumed the duties of head coach on a part time basis while
former cheerleader Grace Caraveggio acted as coach during the week. The team
placed forth in taping for the National Cheerleading Championship. At the time the
top 3 Division II teams were invited to compete in the championship.

1988

Once again the Rock cheerleaders were in need of a coach. Bill Thallemer, former
Notre Dame cheerleader and UCA instructor, accepted the cheerleading coach
position. Under his leadership and expertise the Rock Cheerleaders were back on
top, regaining its title as National Champion. Once again their winning performance
aired on national television on ESPN. Team members of the 88 team: Dave Berlin,
Sandy Cernick, Michelle Coleman, Jodi Dilner, Frank Dimarco, Stacey Dunkelberger,
Gemma Fotia, Doug Fritz, Missy Green, Monica Greggs, Dan Hostert, Joey Joswiak,
Ray Maguire, Lori Ruffino, Kevin Vonderschmidt, and Steve Winegardner.

1990

Without a coach, the cheerleaders were under the direction of student/cheerleaders
Ray Maguire and Dave Berlin. The team qualified for the National Championship
and placed forth in competition.

1991-1992

Todd Volland, former Illinois cheerleader and UCA instructor, was announced the
new SRU cheerleading coach. 1991 and 1992 were rebuilding years for The Rock
and Coach Volland. At the end of the 1992 season Todd Volland informed the team
that he would be leaving Slippery Rock.

1993

In 1993, former member of the 88 championship squad and UCA instructor,
Gemma Fotia assumed the role of head coach. That year, the squad swept all five
first place trophies during camp competition at East Tennessee State University.
Under her direction the squads success continued with a third place in taping and
third place in the National Competition. Once again the Rock cheerleaders were
in the national spotlight as they were featured on national television on ESPN.
Team members of the 93 team: Matt Bald, Doug Courtney, Shelly Dauer, Jerome
Fuller, Michael Lanza, Holly McFadden, Tracy Mosko, Julie Philips, Todd Price,
Timmy Sexton, Michelle Solon, Eric Suprano, Danny Syrko, and Jamie Tagliava.
THE ROCK IS BACK

1994-1997

Since then, the squad placed a disappointing sixth in 1994. The team sat out of
Competition for the 1995 season. After a year of rebuilding the Slippery Rock team
once again finished third in 1996. Their performance was one of the 3 Division II
teams to air in its entirety on the ESPN and ESPN2 networks. In 1997 the teams
performance once again aired nationally as the team placed fifth. Team members
of the 1996 team: Frank Beachly, Tracy Blundo, Michelle Burchanowski, Joe Cooper,
Donna DeFloria, Tara Dundr, Heath Hoffman, Jackie Kirby, Greg Lindner, Bobbie
Lynn Miller, Joe Parets, Jeremy Rekich, Ben Richey, and Kim Rodgers.

1999-2000

The 1998 team went through another year of rebuilding the program. In 1999 with
much drive and determination the team finished in second place. The SRU squad
was the only team to nail their routine in the final round of competition. The routine
featured their innovative swing through stunt sequence and creative pyramids. They
also pumped the crowd up with their open line of DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK
IS COOKING. The following year, the 2000 team finished in third place. Both the 1999
and 2000 award winning routines were featured on the Division I, II, & Jr. College Cheer
Highlights show televised on ESPN and ESPN2. Members of the 1999 second place team:
Kristy Boehm, Patrick Birt, Michelle Burchanowski, Laura Burkhart, Cory Deacon, Adam
Goss, Amy Harris, Brad Houchins, Joe Lear, Kyle Likens, Greg Lindner, Kateri Maille,
Janelle Pieri, Ben Richey, Shannon Ross, and Joelle Woodley.

2001

THE PRIDE OF SLIPPERY ROCK, the 2001 season began with the addition of a new SRU mascot. After a long search Rocky, the lion, was chosen to represent the university. With the addition of a new mascot the cheerleaders began their season at Rutgers University for College Camp. The team captured first place in the cheer category beating out every coed team at camp from Division II through Division IA. This by far was the most talented team in the history of SRU cheerleading. The team finished 3rd in taping earning an all-expense paid trip to the National Competition in Orlando, Florida. Due to injuries the 2001 team finished a disappointing 6th in competition. Members of the 2001: Kristy Boehm, Andy Brown, Cory Deacon, Jim Fleming, Adam Goss, Jody Hancox, Bekki Hillerby, Stefanie Kase, Joe Lear, Kyle Likens, Julie Masci, Dave Rapko, Shannon Ross, Scott Thomas, Jen Werner, Chrissy Wesley, and Brian Zukauckas. The 2001-year also brought the addition of a second cheerleading team. An all-girl team of 16 members was formed and started their season cheering for mens and womaens basketball games.

At present, Slippery Rock University remains the only northeastern Division II school to
have cracked the national top ten.

​

The coed cheerleading team performs at all home and away conference football games, mens and womens basketball games and pep rallies. The cheerleaders have had the opportunity to cheer for the nationally ranked and 4 years in a row PSAC champions, the Rock Football team.