The De La Salle University Pep Squad

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The De La Salle University Pep Squad is a cheerleading group associated with the De La Salle University, Philippines.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious, original and accomplished university cheering teams in the Philippines, the De La Salle University Pep Squad.

Started in 1926 by some students of the La Salle College, the DLSU Pep Squad has grown over the years from a small, exclusive all-boys club to an organization that is expansive and open to all who make it through the rigorous try-out process.

These days, the Squad is divided into three membership divisions, or factions:
First are the Cheerleaders, who are the performing boys who must be capable in dancing, cheering and have an extremely energetic disposition. Physical fitness must be underscored with regard to these proud men, as they also have to be capable of executing various lifting maneuvers.
Second are the Cheerdancers, who are comprised of the performing girls who must be extremely proficient in dance and have excellent health and school spirit. They are a chosen few who must excel various fields which include gymnastics.
Last, but not the least, are the Cheerdrummers. They are the voice of the DLSU stands during games and performances. They include in their ranks the hard-hitting and talented snare and bass drummers who also occasionally present a drumline presentation.

Surely, no organization of this size can exist and operate without a solid leadership organization. Enter the coach and officers of the DLSU Pep Squad:
Moderator - Plays no real part in the everyday affairs of the Squad, and merely acts as a titular or administrative head of the squad for official university matters.
Coach - Is in charge of the fitness and specialization training for the members. Choreographs all the competitive routines for all the competitions the DLSU Pep Squad is involved in. The Squad has only ever had one Coach who was established just about three years ago.
President - A man who is equal only to the coach in authority but has a more direct influence on the goings-on of the Squad. He is in charge of organizing the Squad's training sessions and takes care of all the important administrative matters relating to the Squad.
Head Cheerleader - A man who acts as the overall trainer of the Cheerleaders. He works closely with the Head Cheerdancer in choreographing the non-competitive routines of the Squad.
Head Cheerdancer - As mentioned above, the Head Cheerdancer plays an important role in the performances of the Squad. She, the only female "head", handles the training of the Cheerdancers.
Head Cheerdrummer - He is in charge of the entire instrumentalists' division of the squad. He is responsible for creating new drum compositions as required and is the only drummer eligible to lead the drumline, unless otherwise specified.
Secretary - Being one of the non-head (or minor) officer positions, the position is open to all male or female members. He/She is in charge of taking minutes, managing records, and performing various clerical duties that the heads may individually or jointly request for.
Treasurer - He/She is in charge of managing all of the Squad's funds. He/She keeps all records of the Squad's income and expenses and has access to the funds whenever deposits or withdrawals are needed.
Public Relations Officer - The P.R.O. is in charge of the promotions of the Squad and acts as the liaison between the Squad and various parties not necessarily connected to the school. Unless otherwise specified, he/she is also responsible for making all the necessary acquisitions for the Squad.

The DLSU Pep Squad engages in numerous performances throughout the year. These performances may be described along the following categories:
Game performances - The most common and obvious engagements of the Squad. Includes the half-time performances at basketball games, as well as the cheerleading duties in the stands and drum cadences essential to any sports event.
School performances - These are engaged in upon the request or invitation of a certain school office or organization to lend support or perform during their events. The Squad offers these services naturally free of charge.
Competitions - These are participated in by the Squad to help boost its supports and continually re-affirm its status as the foremost collegiate cheering team in the country. The rewards gained from these competitions (if any) are either offered to the school or injected into the Squad's funds.
Hired performances - These are events wherein an outside organization or company requests the involvement of the Squad in their respective events. These activities are not recognized by the university, and so the Squad is indepently managed in these cases. The Squad's services are offered for a premium or fee that can be negotiable in a case to case basis.

The DLSU Pep Squad still clings dearly to and actively uses some eight traditional cheers:
Rektikano
Zama Zipa Zam
Who's to win this game?
Yamakadep
Haydee Three Times
La Salle Spelling
Bumakaya
Strawberry Shortcake

These days, the recruitment periods for the Squad are during the first and third trimester of each school year. Membership is open to all LaSallians of good moral character and excellent physical fitness.

Team training sessions are normally from 6:00pm-9:00pm everyday. This schedule may seem tedious and intrusive, but it is meant to ensure the quality and fitness of all the Squads performances and members, respectively. According to the number and gravity of the activities the Squad engages in, this training schedule may be lightened or added on.