SF State lacks a football team, and athletics may soon be on the chopping block. But the campus cheerleaders still practice, hoping that under the guidance of a fellow college student they can become a nationally-ranked squad.

The SF State cheer team, also called Team Gator Cheerleading, is technically a club but the 25 members don't meet for pizza and discussion. They practice three times a week in grueling morning sessions honing their tumbling, stunting and cheering skills.

Under a new head coach the cheer team has set high goals for the program. Becca Hazen, a SF State junior majoring in speech communications, took over Team Gator in Spring 2003.

"I was really excited to be helping because they really needed someone in charge," said the 20-year-old coach.

Hazen transferred from the University of Hawaii in Fall 2002 and went to the cheerleading tryouts at SF State but left because she did not feel she would be challenged on the current squad.

Hazen grew up being involved in gymnastics and went on to cheer on her junior high and high school team, as well as an all-star team her senior year. After graduating she went on to coach cheerleading at camps for Power Cheer and became an assistant coach for the Amador High School cheerleading team's national routine. In addition to coaching at SF State, she is currently the all-star coach for San Rafael Gymnastics and leads cheerleading at Gymtowne Gymnastics.

"When I tried out (for SF State's cheer team) they weren't organized or competitive," said Hazen.

The team went on for another semester before their coach quit. Squad member Giana Novelli, who cheered with Hazen on their high school team in Amador County, Calif., called and asked her to help out.

"I tend to take charge and all the sudden people were asking me if it was all right to go to the bathroom," said Hazen.

With no one else to fill the role as Coach Hazen assigned morning practices and set up tryout dates.

"I think she's an awesome coach," said Jessie Sheeder, a SF State student majoring in molecular biology. "It's rare that you have someone your age that you can respect and listen to as a coach," she said.

Hazen has been working with the current squad to build more of a community spirit on campus. The cheerleading team performs at athletic events to support SF State teams and at competitions to represent the university.

"This year at nationals my goal is for the team to get first or second place," said Hazen.

The cheerleading team is holding tryouts to gain new members who share Hazen's vision. On April 17, noon to 4 p.m., tryouts will be held in Gym 149. Perspective members should bring their SF State acceptance letter and dress in athletic clothes. First priority will be given to those who have a mastery of a standing back handspring and a round-off back handspring.

"It will be a lot more competitive and a bigger commitment next year," said team member Valerie Swanson.

For more information visit the SF State cheerleading team Web site or email coach Becca Hazen at cheer@sfsu.edu