The Great Midwest Athletic Conference has announced the addition of STUNT as a championship sport for the 2022-2023 season. The inaugural Great Midwest STUNT conference championship will be conducted on March 31-April 1, 2023 and hosted by Ashland University.
STUNT, one of the fastest growing female sports in the country, incorporates the technical and athletic components of cheer, in which teams create short routines to compete against opponents. In a typical STUNT competition, four quarters are played that include partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps & tumbling, and a team routine.
Current Great Midwest members that sponsor the sport of STUNT include Ashland University, Tiffin University, and Ursuline College with Walsh University adding the sport for the 2024 season. Additionally, there is the potential for several additional associate or full members joining for the 2023 or 2024 seasons.
"The Great Midwest is proud to be adding STUNT to the league's annual championship programming," said Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger. "The fast-growing sport is another opportunity to provide championship competition for female student-athletes in our conference."
"Our STUNT coaches and student-athletes are looking forward to having their sport recognized by the conference along with their fellow Great Midwest student-athletes," added Daeger. "We are thankful for their engagement in this process and pleased to be answering their call."
In April of 2020, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA) recommended the addition of STUNT as an emerging NCAA sport. The CWA reaffirmed that recommendation in February of 2022 as NCAA divisional membership considers it at the 2023 NCAA Convention.
The CWA noted the continued growth in high school STUNT sponsorship and participation, the steady increase in the number of member institutions sponsoring the sport, and the support from USA Cheer in addition to several other items as compelling rationale to include STUNT as an emerging sport for women.
Information on the continued development of STUNT in the Great Midwest can be found on greatmidwestsports.com. Additionally, more information on the sport nationally can be found at stuntthesport.org.
"Words cannot express how honored and excited we are to be recognized as a GMAC championship sport," said TU Head Stunt Coach Cassie Bump. "This is a monumental step for cheerleading-based sports, such as STUNT. I remember when I told the team that STUNT was going to be an official GMAC sport this season. Their reactions were priceless. This opportunity has created a new level of confidence and drive for these student athletes. They are appreciative and motivated to show the world what STUNT is all about and why it deserves to be called a sport. We are forever grateful to the Athletic Department at TU, and the GMAC for their continuous support and all they have done to make this happen."