Drake Cheer Captains Led Team Over Summer
Three team leaders managed operations and coaching duties following the resignation of the previous head coach.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football
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During the summer of 2026, three Drake University cheer captains stepped in to manage the team after the head coach resigned. The captains assumed all coaching responsibilities until the university officially hired a new lead instructor in September.
Why it matters
The transition period required student leaders to manage operational logistics and training schedules independently to prepare for the start of the academic year. This effort ensured the squad remained performance-ready for the opening of the football season.
The cheer team underwent a five-day camp led entirely by captains, with daily sessions lasting four hours. The squad successfully executed their first performance at a home football game on August 27.
The players
Courtney Shouse
She served as one of the three team captains who managed coaching duties for the cheer squad.
Amy Brundage
She was appointed as the official head coach of the Drake University cheerleading team in September.
Drake University
The institution served as the site of all team operations and training sessions.
The details
To maintain progress, the captains recorded instructional videos for new members and structured training sessions without outside assistance. The team maintained their performance calendar through the transition until Amy Brundage took over as head coach on September 14.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Captains assumed the role of head coach.
August 20, 2026: Cheer camp began one week before the fall semester.
August 27, 2026: First home football game performance occurred.
September 14, 2026: Drake University hired a new head coach.
October 3, 2026: Second home football game performance scheduled.
Season Trajectory
This period of student-led coaching highlights how collegiate programs adapt to sudden staff vacancies to maintain their season momentum. The transition allowed the team to remain active throughout the fall schedule despite the mid-summer coaching change.
The cheer squad demonstrated operational continuity, ensuring their participation in the October 3 home football game remains unaffected by staff changes. This stability allows the university to move forward with a full coaching staff for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Student-led training initiatives can successfully sustain team cohesion during unexpected administrative departures. These experiences demonstrate the importance of peer leadership in maintaining institutional performance standards.
What happens next
The cheer team is scheduled to perform at the second home football game taking place on October 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on collegiate athletic updates, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times-Delphic.
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