Justin McSurely was appointed as the new PNW cheer coach this semester. McSurley is no stranger to the cheerleading world. He is a former cheerleader, certified in stunting and tumbling as well as the owner of the ICA Allstars.

McSurley is determined to help the cheer team reach its full potential.

“I am hoping to build a strong game-day team. We’ve been working hard to clean up, create, and perfect our sideline cheers and game material,” McSurley said.

McSurley also hopes to take the team to the competitive level this year.

Nicole Watkins, assistant athletic director for Sports Information, Marketing and Event Management, said she is excited to see McSurley’s abilities.

“With his experience in sideline cheer and tumbling, we’re confident McSurley can get the team organized and create an exciting game-day atmosphere for our teams this season,” Watkins said.

Myiam Erwin, member of the cheer team, says the biggest thing she thinks McSurley will do is change how the cheer team works.

“McSurley is working on making a strong cheer family and making us as close to perfect as we can be. Even though this change is big, I am in tune with McSurley’s plan,” Erwin said.

McSurley’s coaching skills will be on display when the men’s and women’s basketball teams take to the court this season.