TCU’s cheer team has room for 13 men — but in the last six years, only about five have suited up.

It’s not that tryouts are overly taxing. No male candidates have been turned away in recent years. There just aren’t a lot of men trying out.

Earlier this month, the team held a workshop in an effort to introduce men to what the cheer team does. Eleven men, still two short of a full squad, spent about two hours learning about cheering. In addition to learning how to safely lift women cheerleaders, participants learned how to do back handsprings, cartwheels, pushups and sit-ups.

“I’m looking for people who aren’t afraid to try something, who feel optimistic and won’t get down on themselves,” said coed captain Wyatt Sharpe, a senior finance major. “People who keep trying even if they’re struggling with failure. We want people who want to say yes and have the courage to do that.”

Prospective cheerleaders included students, possible transfers and high school students interested in TCU.

“A lot of guys start off cheering when they are older or in high school, so we are open to anybody and everybody,” said Jarred Hayden, an assistant cheer coach.

David Garay is a high school junior who hopes to be in the class of 2029. “I always make sure to come out when the university offers open practices and clinics, it motivates me to work hard,” he said.

Hayden said tryouts will be towards the end of April, but dates will be posted soon.