Spunk comes naturally for Amy Sutz, assistant director for compliance, Office of Student Financial Aid, Student Employment and Scholarships.
At just over five feet tall and a former high school cheerleader herself, Sutz is known for her twin passions for UCCS athletics and for helping students. This summer, she combined interests and talents to become the administrative coach for the UCCS Cheer Team, a student club dedicated to generating enthusiasm for UCCS athletics.
The UCCS Cheerleaders will officially debut at the Nov. 30 basketball home opener against Fort Lewis College.
“I’m their ‘cheer mom,’’’ Sutz said recently of the 15-member cheer team that she advises.
The former UCCS, Dougherty High School, and Russell Middle School cheerleader is quick to add that while she’ll know the words to all the cheers, she won’t be doing any stunts or be courtside.
“My place is in the stands and to be behind the scene,” Sutz said. “We have a great group with a super student coach and they are learning a lot from each other. My job is to facilitate the learning, help them stay organized, and keep things moving in the right direction.”
Sutz was a UCCS cheerleader for two years, 1997 and 1998, and watched as the team struggled in recent years. A meeting with Athletic Department officials as part of her job rekindled her interest in helping the group which, as a student club, lacked steady leadership. Sutz hopes she can bring both credibility and stability to the program while also satisfying a personal desire to work more closely with students.
“Having a viable cheer program is potentially a huge student recruitment and retention tool,” Sutz said. “Increasing school spirit allows students to feel more connected to UCCS.”
For now, the cheerleaders are concentrating on fundamentals. Sutz attends practices scheduled at the only open time in the Gallogly Events Center, 8:45 p.m. This winter, team members will wear their uniforms to class on game days, hand out flyers encouraging attendance, participate in team-building activities and rev up fans at home games.
“We’re RAH RAH people,” Sutz said. “We need to inject that into our fans, make the stands come alive, and let the teams know they are appreciated.”
You are the best person for getting people enthusiastic, Amy! Congratulations! It’s great that you are being recognized for the firecracker you are!!! Best, Barbara C.
I am currently the student coach/captain of this squad and I can honestly say that Amy is the best possible person that could’ve filled this position. She really has brought a lot of good things for our squad and she makes me even more excited for next year!