BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Roadrunner spirit squads helped welcome the newest members of the CSUB community to campus during the opening week of Freshman Orientation events held July 7-9 inside the Icardo Center.

Freshman Orientation provides newly accepted CSUB students with an opportunity to visit campus, hear from senior-level university staff and ASI leadership, and learn more about the people, places and resources that will help shape their college experience.

Each morning, members of the cheer and dance teams helped kick off the day by greeting incoming students and their families upon arrival. Throughout the program, the spirit squads, along with Rowdy, brought energy and excitement to the Icardo Center while helping new students learn the Roadrunner hand sign, participate in trivia questions for prizes and experience their first taste of Roadrunner spirit.

Following the opening session, students were led around campus to visit several important areas connected to the student experience, including the Student Union, residence halls and other key campus locations. Students then made their way to the Student Recreation Center, where they attended a tabling fair, learned more about campus clubs and organizations, and enjoyed lunch.

For the spirit squads, the three-day event provided their first opportunity of the season to help showcase the fun, excitement and pride that come with being a Roadrunner.

"I thought the new students we met throughout the week were great," head coach Arthur Smith said. "I was especially proud of the freshmen from both teams who were in front of a crowd in uniform for the first time. They did great."

The CSUB spirit squads will return to welcome another group of incoming students during the next set of Freshman Orientation events scheduled for later this month.