There is still time left to take part in the UND Alumni Association & Foundation fundraising efforts in support of the UND cheer and dance teams.

Throughout this week’s Potato Bowl festivities up to the Potato Bowl Saturday evening, alumni and friends may pledge gifts to the cheer and dance teams via text message by texting “UND (space) pledge amount (space) supporter’s name” to 56512. The supporter will then receive a call from a member of the cheer and dance team to follow up with payment information. In addition, all pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous UND alum, doubling the impact of each gift.

“When I took this position in April, my immediate goal was to reduce the cost each student has to pay to participate,” UND cheer and dance teams coach Breanna Linert said in a press release. “I’ve leaned on Athletics and the Alumni Association & Foundation for their support, and they understand the need to represent UND at the same level as other D-I schools. Together, we can take this program to that level.”

Nearly 60 student-athletes take part in the cheer program each year as the university cheer and dance program is made up of football, volleyball and basketball cheer, dance and hockey cheer. The athletes commit to two to five days of practice per week, events and game-day performances and also are responsible for all expenses other than coaches’ salaries.

Expenses present themselves in the form of uniforms, pom-poms, shoes and ice skates. They also are responsible for travel to away games and competitions, choreographers and competition fees.