Milligan joins Southern States Athletic Conference in Competitive Cheer for 2023-24

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (June 21, 2023) – Milligan University Director of Athletics Christian Pope has announced that Milligan is joining the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) as an affiliate member in competitive cheer in 2023-24.

The Buffs' first season of competitive cheerleading will be an exhibition/noncompetitive year. Milligan will be able to compete in 2023-24 regular season competition but will not be eligible to compete in the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship in 2024.

"We are excited for the opportunity to take our cheer program to the next level here at Milligan," said head coach Tori Ryans. "I believe our team and coaching staff have what it takes to launch into bigger and better opportunities and competition. Competitive cheer will enhance recruiting to our cheer program and to the beautiful campus community of Milligan University."

Competitive cheer is a winter sport with practice and competition beginning in September. Each team must compete in a minimum of four competitions to be eligible for the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship. The 2024 SSAC Competitive Cheer Conference Championship is scheduled for March 9 at Life University. The Buffs will be able to perform an exhibition at the conference championship in their inaugural season.

As a full-fledged NAIA varsity sport in 2024-25, competitive cheer student-athletes will be eligible to receive all-conference and NAIA All-America honors. Student-athletes will also be able to earn academic awards such as NAIA Scholar-Athlete, SSAC All-Academic and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and Academic All-America honors.

Milligan is already an affiliate member of the SSAC in men's and women's bowling. Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) schools that sponsored competitive cheer in 2022-23 include Bluefield, Montreat, St. Andrews, Brenau and Pikeville.