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From First Client to 6-Time Champions: The Story of Oklahoma State University & IPP Music

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
From First Client to Six Time Champions The Oklahoma State IPP Music Story 1
24
Jul
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 24, 2025

Powered by IPP

Here’s a story that still amazes me: The first major mix I ever produced was Oklahoma State University‘s championship mix for their 2011-12 season. I was actually with a different company that I had cofounded. OSU won their national championship in 2012 using that mix. But here’s what smart programs understand—OSU had found their sound. When I left to start IPP Music that summer, they made a strategic decision to maintain that consistency. They recognized that their musical identity had become part of their competitive advantage. What happened next changed everything—not just for IPP Music, but for how I understand the importance of signature sound in building championship programs.

The Call

When Coach Lindsey Bracken first contacted us, she was clear about what OSU needed: music that captured their identity, not just generic cheerleading songs. “We bleed orange,” she told me. “Our music needs to show that.”

I’ll be honest—the opportunity to mix for OSU back in 2012 is what began the trajectory that’s skyrocketed us to the position we are in today. Without OSU, we might not be as popular as we are now. But here’s what I didn’t expect: 12 years and 6 national championships later, they’re still with us. In an industry where programs often switch music providers like they’re changing practice wear, OSU’s loyalty has been both humbling and inspiring.

What Makes a Championship Partnership

After more than a decade working with Oklahoma State, I can tell you exactly why Coach Bracken says, “IPP provided music that encompasses our school pride so well and reflects our love for OSU.”

It’s not because we’re magicians with 8 count music or because we have some secret formula other companies don’t. It’s because from day one, we’ve approached their music as partners, not vendors. When OSU wins, we celebrate. When they face challenges, we problem-solve together. Their success is our success—literally.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Six national championships since 2012. Let that sink in. While other programs chase the newest music producer or the flashiest effects, Oklahoma State has stayed consistent with their cheer mix partner—and they’ve built a dynasty.

This isn’t luck. It’s what happens when a program commits to excellence in every aspect, including their music. Too many teams treat their cheer sounds as an afterthought, something to figure out after choreography is done. Champions like OSU know better. They understand that music is the foundation that elevates good routines to championship caliber.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

What We’ve Learned Together

Working with OSU has taught us invaluable lessons that now benefit all 1,134+ programs we serve.

Consistency Builds Champions

Programs that stick with one music producer develop a signature sound. Judges recognize it. Fans anticipate it. Athletes perform better to music that feels like “theirs.” OSU’s sustained success proves that musical consistency is a competitive advantage.

Understanding Beats Everything

We don’t just make premade cheer music or custom mixes—we study our partners. We learn their traditions, their values, what makes them unique. For OSU, that means understanding Cowboy pride beyond the mascot.  Getting the program’s vibe. For other programs, it might be completely different. But the commitment to truly knowing our clients remains constant.

Relationships Matter More Than Transactions

We’re now the Official Music Producer of the USA Cheer National Team and we partner with an endless list of larger gyms/programs and governing bodies. We’ve grown beyond what I imagined possible in 2012. But OSU reminds me daily that our success comes from relationships, not titles. They trusted us when we were nobody. They heard their future in the mixes we built for them.

Why This Matters for Your Program

If you’re a coach or choreographer reading this, you might be wondering what OSU’s story means for you. Here’s my take after producing thousands of mixes:

Stop shopping for the cheapest option or the trendiest producer every season. Find a music partner who:

  • Understands your program’s identity
  • Delivers consistent quality
  • Values your success as their own
  • Provides cheer songs clean and properly licensed for competition

Whether you need fully custom dance songs for team routines or affordable premade cheer music that can be personalized, the key is finding a partner, not just a provider.

A Personal Note

To Coach Bracken and the entire OSU program: Thank you. You gave a small music company a chance, and your faith in us launched something bigger than either of us imagined. Your six championships are yours—earned through talent, dedication, and countless hours of hard work. But knowing we’ve been part of that journey, providing the soundtrack to your success, remains one of IPP Music’s proudest achievements.

To every other program reading this: Your championship journey is waiting. Whether you’re an established powerhouse or a growing program with big dreams, the right music partner can accelerate your path to success. We’d be honored to be part of your story, just as we’ve been privileged to be part of Oklahoma State’s.

The Future We’re Building

Today, IPP Music serves programs worldwide: youth leagues to elite All-Star gyms, from Tokyo to Topeka. We offer everything from customizable $49 premade mixes to fully custom productions. But no matter how much we grow, the lesson from OSU remains the same: championships are built on partnerships.

When programs ask me about our success stories or our production process, I often share the OSU story. Not because every program will win six nationals (though we’d love that!), but because their approach—choosing a partner and building together—is available to everyone and has proven to be critical in hitting that zero.

Ready to start your own championship partnership? Explore our custom and premade cheer music options. As the Official Music Producer of the USA Cheer National Team and the trusted partner of champions like Oklahoma State University, we’re ready to help write your success story.

Be sure to check out future articles on other teams that have found success using ippmusic.com in this new series calledPowered by IPP

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
Featured, News

The Shifting Landscape of Cheer Championships

Posted on by IPP Music
The Shifting Landscape of Cheer Championships
23
Jul
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 23, 2024

There have been recent legal developments that are reshaping the cheer landscape. One of the most significant recent changes is the ruling by a judge in Florida declaring that the USASF’s claim to trademark the word “worlds” is not exclusive. This decision, which precedes a trial scheduled for September, has significant implications for the All-Star cheerleading community and beyond.

The Trademark Ruling: Implications for Cheerleading

For many years, the All-Star cheerleading community has operated under the assumption that there is only one legitimate “world” championship event, a belief strengthened by the ICU’s recognition by the IOC. The ICU World Championships have always been considered the only true world event due to this association. In contrast, other cheerleading events have had to rebrand, often using “cup” instead of “worlds” in their titles. This legal development could indicate a similar shift for All-Star cheerleading events.

The Role of USA Cheer and USASF

In recent years, USA Cheer has emerged as the official governing body for all facets of cheerleading in the United States. Meanwhile, USASF has evolved in its function and authority, continuing to support the All-Star community in various ways. The preliminary ruling on the trademark issue raises several critical questions:

  • If USASF is a membership organization and not a federation, what does this mean for its role in hosting world championships?
  • If the “world championships” are not legally recognized as the official and exclusive world championship, how does this affect event producers (EPs) worldwide who have struggled to secure bids due to their relationship (or lack thereof) with their national federation?
  • The significance of federation relationships may be limited to the ICU Championship and official sport business.

The Need for True Leadership

True leaders bring people together, speak the truth, and do not exploit their authority for personal gain. It’s time to move beyond the playground politics that have plagued our sport. As someone who lives in a federated country, I respect the hierarchical structure and the recognitions gained through the IOC. However, the recent domestic litigation advances American commercial interests at the expense of the global cheerleading community.

Lisa Aucoin, an eight-time World Champion Cheerleading Coach, emphasizes that the international cheerleading community expects more from its leaders. She notes, “It’s time for them to invest the thousands/potentially millions they are spending in legal fees fighting each other and start making our sport better.” If we measure effectiveness by goodwill and progress rather than commercial success, how successful would our leaders be?

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The Global Impact and Future of Cheerleading

We have built an impressive sport for young people worldwide, yet there is still so much more to achieve. If this ruling remains unchallenged, it could have vast implications for the All-Star facet of our sport globally. The world championships are already diluted, and our best wins may be behind us. The landscape of our sport is changing, and it is crucial to consider what we want it to become.

Call to Action

It’s time for our voices to be heard. Speak with your sports leaders, reach out to your federation, and have conversations with your peers. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Key Considerations

  • The full impact of the ruling may not be known until the trial proceeds.
  • Legal interpretations should be considered with a legal expert’s input.
  • A domestic judge in Florida may not have the authority to make a decision impacting an international event and community.
  • An appeal could change the outcome.

Transparency and truth are crucial. All stakeholders in cheer have the capacity to understand this information and deserve the opportunity to ask questions

The Commercial Landscape: Varsity’s Antitrust Challenges

The billion-dollar All-Star cheerleading industry, long dominated by Varsity, is beginning to see a more open market. Antitrust litigation against Varsity and the disruptions of covid have created a more competitive landscape. Recent events, such as the Open Championship Series (OCS), have shown that independent productions can rival Varsity’s dominance.

Varsity has faced significant challenges, including antitrust lawsuits accusing the company of monopolistic practices. These lawsuits, filed by parents, gym owners, and event producers, claim Varsity has driven out competition and driven up consumer costs. The Open Championship Series, founded in 2019, represents a collective of independent event producers offering a more price-conscious and flexible option for cheerleading competitions. The face of this movement is undoubtedly Heidi Weber. She has made significant contributions to making cheer competitions more affordable and accessible. Heidi directs the Celebrity Cheer and Dance Championships and is a leader in the All-Star cheer community. She’s also just kinda awesome.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, the cheerleading community has shown resilience and adaptability. Independent event producers have risen to the occasion, providing alternatives and fostering a more competitive market. The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovation and customer-focused experiences, pushing organizations like Varsity to reexamine and improve their offerings.

The future of cheerleading depends on collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to the sport’s growth and integrity. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to keep the community united and focused on what truly matters: the athletes, the sport, and the shared passion for cheerleading.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
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