BLACKBURN COLLEGE TO LAUNCH CHEER AS A CLUB SPORT, EXPANDING STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND CAMPUS SPIRIT

CARLINVILLE, ILL. – Blackburn College announced today that Cheer will be added as a club sport beginning in the 2025–26 academic year. The addition reflects the College's vision of expanding student involvement, fostering a positive and fulfilling on-campus experience, and elevating school spirit at athletic and community events.

The new club program will welcome students of all experience levels and will initially focus on building participation, skills, and campus traditions. Over the next several years, Blackburn plans to develop the program into a competitive cheer team that can represent the College at regional and national events.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our students and our entire campus community," said Kim Camara-Harvey, Director of Athletics. "Cheer will not only add energy to our athletic events but also create new ways for students to connect, lead, and build pride in being part of Blackburn."

Cheer joins a growing lineup of athletic and spirit programs at Blackburn, which now supports 18 NCAA Division III varsity sports in addition to intramural and club opportunities. The program will also complement the College's strong tradition of student-led engagement and leadership through its nationally recognized Work Program.