College Cheerleading Research Paper
Do you want to know how to get the crowd going? Cheerleaders do it everyday; it only takes 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Cheerleading began over 100 years ago. “Basically the guy is the frame. The girl’s a piece of art,” says Justin Carrier, a former cheerleader (Valliant 13). Cheerleading has evolved from an all male activity to mostly female and some co-ed squads. In order to fully understand cheerleading one needs to know the history, proper techniques, and benefits of being a cheerleader. Competitiveness has been going on for thousands of years. Runners in the first Olympic Games in Greece in 776 B.C. had their fans rooting for them (Peters 7). The first American college cheer was invented in the 1800’s by a spirit club at Princeton University. Students at the football game chanted “Rah, rah, rah! Tiger, tiger, tiger! Sis, sis sis! Boom, boom, boom! Ah! Princeton! Princeton! Princeton!” (Valliant 15). The cheer was inspired by a Civil War chant. This today is what we know as cheers and chants. College football began to grow in popularity. The chanting of cheers began to spread to other schools. There was no organization, just random students leading the groups of spectators. In 1898, a University
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of Minnesota student named Jack Campbell leaped out onto the field during a time out and led his team supporters’ cheering efforts (Peters 8). The hundreds of spectators followed his lead which led his team to a victory. In the 1920’s tumbling and gymnastics is incorporated into cheerleading routines, and women start to be included in the formerly all male activity. By the 1940’s cheerleading becomes mainly a female activity (Peters 10). Cheerleading progressively became more popular, and the spectators at sporting events grew to enjoy having them around. Schools began to individualize their own cheers and chants by incorporating school names, mascots, and school colors in them (Wilson 82). The National Cheerleaders Association was founded in 1948 by Lawrence Herkimer. He was a former cheerleader and graduate from Southern Methodist University. Herkimer conducted cheerleading clinics and taught gymnastics. Cheerleader training was in high demand and in 1949 the first cheer camp was offered at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas (Valliant 19). The camp offered gymnastics, cheers, chants, and crowd motivators. In 1950 Herkimer realized there was a need for a way for cheerleaders to get their supplies. He opened Cheerleader Supply Company, which offered an apparel line from skirts to pom pons. Today, the Cheerleader Supply Company and the National Cheerleaders Association are a multi-million dollar operation that has been combined into the National Spirit Group (Valliant 19). The company offers clinics, competitions, camps, apparel, equipment, and fundraising materials. They are offer over 2000 camps yearly worldwide to cheer and dance teams. Herkimer was the first person to realize that the costs of being a cheerleader were expensive. He was the pioneer of fundraising products for schools in order for students to afford uniforms, camp fees, and pom pons. There are several important historical milestones in the history of cheerleading. Here are a few; the first NFL team to have a professional cheer team was the Baltimore Colts in 1952, the pom pon was created in 1960, CBS broadcasts the first Collegiate Cheerleading Championship in 1978, national cheerleading competitions are established in 1981, and by 2002 competitive cheerleading becomes the fastest growing girls sport in the United States. Cheerleading has come a long way from the first time a student at Princeton jumped on the field to the lead the crowd, to today where cheerleaders split their time between games and competitions. The one thing that has remained the same is that cheerleaders generate enthusiasm and excitement. Cheerleaders in the 21st century do not stand on the sidelines; they perform on center stage. They are dancers, gymnasts, cross trainers, choreographers, writers, artists, and organizers (Valliant 53). Most people do not realize the amount of time cheerleaders spend preparing for games and competitions. According to Heather LeQuire coach for Pop Warner, the most difficult aspect of being a cheerleader is memorizing multiple cheers, dances, and routines (LeQuire). Cheerleading requires long, hard hours of commitment. There are two different types of squads. There are competition teams, pep squads, and teams that do both competition and pep squad. The average pep squad practices eight to ten hours a week, and a competition squad practices on average 10-15 hours a week. "Cheerleaders unlike most sports do not have a season, but instead they work all year long" (Wilson 261). There are bases, back spots, front spots, and fliers on the cheerleading team to perform stunts (Wilson). The base has to be strong enough to lift and catch a person their own weight and size. The back spot mainly concentrates on safety to ensure the flier does not hit the ground, and is usually the tallest and strongest persons on the team in order to catch the fliers. The front spot is there for additional support and safety on some of the harder stunts. The fliers are usually your lightest and most flexible people on the team; they can be tossed twenty feet in the air, flip and do double twists in the air as they fall into the bases’ arms. There are different levels of stunts depending on the difficulty. Each stunt team spends numerous hours perfecting their technique; the key is to never let a stunt fall. Cheerleaders are to never wear jewelry and keep their hair secured back and away from their faces (Valliant 21). Jewelry is distracting, but more important can be dangerous. Long chains and charms can fly into the cheerleaders face and chip a tooth, rings can injure or bruise the hands, bracelets and watches can get caught on the uniform. Hair should always be secured for safety reasons. If hair is down during stunting it could get caught on the fliers’ feet or the bases could loose their sights if hair gets in their eyes. During competitions teams are judged on the appearance of the team as a whole unit. The neatness of the hair and being away from the face is on the score sheet, mainly for safety but also for conformity (“Competitive Cheerleading- Tips from the Judges”). “Cheerleading would be boring if all cheerleaders did was stand around and yell at the crowd.” (Wilson 69). Cheerleaders need to have very precise movement and good technique. The three main components of being a cheerleader are; cheers, stunts, and jumps. Choreographed movements enhance cheers getting the attention of the spectators. When large groups of sixteen or more move in perfect coordination, people definitely notice. All of these need to be perfected prior to performing at games, pep rallies, and competitions. As a cheerleader, your job is to create and maintain excitement and energy (Peters 41). Most people think that cheers and chants have the same meaning (Valliant 10). A cheer is longer than a chant, and often have stunts incorporated in them. A chant is a short phrase repeated several times in response to a play in the game, such as “Block that kick! Block that kick!” Both cheers and chants use arm, hand claps, or foot stomps to get the crowd motivated. There are several different arm motions that are used during chants and cheers. Diagonal is when an individual is creating a straight line with both arms, except one arm is raised and one arm is lowered. Hands on hips are the ready position which cheerleaders should be in at all times. The high V position is when an individual has both arms extended over head in a V shape. All of the arm movements must be clean and sharp. Cheerleading involves a great deal of physical skill and physical fitness. They not only have to be flexible they need to have coordination (“Being a cheerleader- History of cheerleading”). The job of a cheerleader is to create and maintain energy and excitement. The most challenging part of being a cheerleader is trying to keep enthusiasm while cheering for a losing team (LeQuire). One way to show team spirit and get the crowd to their feet is through the use of jumps after a cheer or chant is completed. Well executed jumps are eye catching, and when a squad is able to jump in unison, it looks terrific to the crowd (Peters 41). As with any physical activity, cheerleaders need to make sure that they are properly stretched prior to beginning. This will reduce the risk of injury and enhance the height of the jumps. Jumps should never be used in a negative way, for example if a player was injured on the field. Cheerleaders always have to remember they are cheering for their team, not against the other team. The first jump unique to cheerleading was the Herkie established in 1949 by Lawrence Herkimer (Wilson 91). To perform a Herkie, an individual must kick one leg out straight to the side so that it is parallel with the ground, and bend your leg so that the knee is pointing to the ground. There are several other popular jumps that are used on a regular basis at cheer events. Two of the most common jumps used during games and competitions are the Toe Touch and the Pike. The Toe Touch is probably the most popular, but must difficult jump to master. When one attempts the Toe Touch jump they will need to stretch their arms straight out to their sides, while doing the same with their legs. The higher the jump the better it looks. When learning how to do a toe touch, a partner can assist by standing behind the individual and lifting them by the waist when they jump. This drill helps practice proper jumping technique. The Pike is also considered a difficult jump where one must keep their arms parallel and raise their legs up to their chest at a 90 degree angle. To master this jump a cheerleader must be very flexible and have upper body strength. Jumps are essential and often are required for routines during competition (Wilson 87). Stunting is one of the most exciting parts of cheerleading. Who does not love the adrenaline rush of being thrown high into the air? No matter what role you play in the stunting process, nothing beats the feeling of hitting a solid stunt and hearing the crowd roar (Wilson 97). Sporting events and competitions are much more interesting to watch when cheerleaders are stunting. “Cheerleading has the strength and guts of football, the gracefulness and balance of gymnastics and the performing aspects of figure skating” (“Being a Cheerleader- History of Cheerleading). There are several different types of stunts. The most popular stunts that are in most routines are thigh stands, elevators, and libs. A thigh stand is one of the simplest stunts. The bases are in a lunge position towards each other, and the flyer jumps onto the bases thighs (Wilson 135). An elevator is when two bases each hold a different foot of one flyer at shoulder level. The elevator is used as the starting point to more advanced stunts. The lib is when two bases hold up a flyer with one of her feet in both of the bases hands, and the flyers leg is bent. The flyer must have excellent balance in order to maintain proper technique (Wilson 161). Being a cheerleader takes a lot of practice and dedication. There are several benefits of being a cheerleader. Cheerleading teaches the individual about self-esteem, fitness, eating, and sportsmanship. Cheerleading builds character along with the development of communication skills (Nesheim INT). It enables girls to have a creative outlet while instilling qualities like discipline, dedication, and responsibility. While cheering, girls learn how to maintain a positive attitude, and have strong work ethics (Wilson 34). For the cheerleader themselves, cheerleading is about personal growth and self-confidence, friendship, and accomplishment. Cheering in the 21st century promises more excitement because males and females are developing their athletic abilities along with their leadership skills and to be good role models. Cheerleaders are held to a higher standard, some set by the coaches and some set for themselves. They are representatives of the school and must always portray themselves in a positive light. The old stereotype that cheerleaders are usually the dumb, pretty girls is a thing of the past (Peters 9). "According to the National Cheerleader Association eighty-three percent of cheerleaders carry a B average or above in high school." (Peters 26). Cheerleaders take pride in their school and many squads do volunteer work in their local communities. Cheerleaders live a healthy lifestyle, which carries several health benefits such as; cardiovascular stamina, strength training, coordination, and flexibility. Tumbling, stunting, and dance routines involve cardiovascular stamina and endurance. Although most routines are only 2 minutes and 30 seconds, when one repeatedly practices it over and over it is an aerobic workout (“The Health Benefits of Cheerleading”). Strength training is received during stunting. Imagine constantly practicing lifting and supporting girls of a similar size. This involves strength, focus, and balance. “Stunting builds powerful muscles in the lower body, shoulders and core” (“Health Benefits of Cheerleading”). Cheerleading teaches coordination through cheers, dance routines, and stunts. Coordination is essential for the timing and rhythm involved in cheerleading, which teaches control of ones body. Lastly, cheerleaders are known for their flexibility. Stretching and conditioning are two elements that build flexibility in the limbs. Flexible ligaments and muscles help prevent injuries. The benefits of cheerleading keep children healthy in today’s society where childhood obesity is such an issue. Cheerleading has gradually progressed over the past 100 years to become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States; from the history, proper techniques, to the benefits of being a cheerleader.
Within the past ten years cheerleading has taken many leaps gaining in popularity. From 2000 – 2009 there has been nine movies released about cheerleading. Cheerleaders generate and reveal the hidden spirit of the crowd, while cheerleading movies capture the heart and spirit of the viewer. Cheerleading teaches one about fitness, self-esteem, leadership, and sportsmanship. So next time a cheerleading movie is on television or you are at a sporting event or cheer competition, take 2 minutes and 30 seconds to see what cheerleaders are all
about.
Work Cited
“Being a Cheerleader- History of Cheerleading.” Varsity.com June 2011. Web. Sept.21
“Competitive Cheerleading- Tips from the Judges.” Varsity.com June 2011. Web. Sept.12
“Health Benefits of Cheerleading.” Livestrong.com July 2011. Web. Sept.12
LeQuire, Heather. Personal Interview. 13 September 2011.
Nesheim, Leif-Harald. “Cheerleading Benefits.” Ezine Articles,com, Aug. 2011. Web. Sept. 9
Peters, Craig. Chants, Cheers, and Jumps. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest Publishers; 2003. Print
Valliant, Doris. History of Cheerleading. Easton, Maryland: Mason Crest Publishers; 2003. Print
Wilson, Leslie. The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading. New York, New York: Three Rivers Press; 2003. Print
of Minnesota student named Jack Campbell leaped out onto the field during a time out and led his team supporters’ cheering efforts (Peters 8). The hundreds of spectators followed his lead which led his team to a victory. In the 1920’s tumbling and gymnastics is incorporated into cheerleading routines, and women start to be included in the formerly all male activity. By the 1940’s cheerleading becomes mainly a female activity (Peters 10). Cheerleading progressively became more popular, and the spectators at sporting events grew to enjoy having them around. Schools began to individualize their own cheers and chants by incorporating school names, mascots, and school colors in them (Wilson 82). The National Cheerleaders Association was founded in 1948 by Lawrence Herkimer. He was a former cheerleader and graduate from Southern Methodist University. Herkimer conducted cheerleading clinics and taught gymnastics. Cheerleader training was in high demand and in 1949 the first cheer camp was offered at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas (Valliant 19). The camp offered gymnastics, cheers, chants, and crowd motivators. In 1950 Herkimer realized there was a need for a way for cheerleaders to get their supplies. He opened Cheerleader Supply Company, which offered an apparel line from skirts to pom pons. Today, the Cheerleader Supply Company and the National Cheerleaders Association are a multi-million dollar operation that has been combined into the National Spirit Group (Valliant 19). The company offers clinics, competitions, camps, apparel, equipment, and fundraising materials. They are offer over 2000 camps yearly worldwide to cheer and dance teams. Herkimer was the first person to realize that the costs of being a cheerleader were expensive. He was the pioneer of fundraising products for schools in order for students to afford uniforms, camp fees, and pom pons. There are several important historical milestones in the history of cheerleading. Here are a few; the first NFL team to have a professional cheer team was the Baltimore Colts in 1952, the pom pon was created in 1960, CBS broadcasts the first Collegiate Cheerleading Championship in 1978, national cheerleading competitions are established in 1981, and by 2002 competitive cheerleading becomes the fastest growing girls sport in the United States. Cheerleading has come a long way from the first time a student at Princeton jumped on the field to the lead the crowd, to today where cheerleaders split their time between games and competitions. The one thing that has remained the same is that cheerleaders generate enthusiasm and excitement. Cheerleaders in the 21st century do not stand on the sidelines; they perform on center stage. They are dancers, gymnasts, cross trainers, choreographers, writers, artists, and organizers (Valliant 53). Most people do not realize the amount of time cheerleaders spend preparing for games and competitions. According to Heather LeQuire coach for Pop Warner, the most difficult aspect of being a cheerleader is memorizing multiple cheers, dances, and routines (LeQuire). Cheerleading requires long, hard hours of commitment. There are two different types of squads. There are competition teams, pep squads, and teams that do both competition and pep squad. The average pep squad practices eight to ten hours a week, and a competition squad practices on average 10-15 hours a week. "Cheerleaders unlike most sports do not have a season, but instead they work all year long" (Wilson 261). There are bases, back spots, front spots, and fliers on the cheerleading team to perform stunts (Wilson). The base has to be strong enough to lift and catch a person their own weight and size. The back spot mainly concentrates on safety to ensure the flier does not hit the ground, and is usually the tallest and strongest persons on the team in order to catch the fliers. The front spot is there for additional support and safety on some of the harder stunts. The fliers are usually your lightest and most flexible people on the team; they can be tossed twenty feet in the air, flip and do double twists in the air as they fall into the bases’ arms. There are different levels of stunts depending on the difficulty. Each stunt team spends numerous hours perfecting their technique; the key is to never let a stunt fall. Cheerleaders are to never wear jewelry and keep their hair secured back and away from their faces (Valliant 21). Jewelry is distracting, but more important can be dangerous. Long chains and charms can fly into the cheerleaders face and chip a tooth, rings can injure or bruise the hands, bracelets and watches can get caught on the uniform. Hair should always be secured for safety reasons. If hair is down during stunting it could get caught on the fliers’ feet or the bases could loose their sights if hair gets in their eyes. During competitions teams are judged on the appearance of the team as a whole unit. The neatness of the hair and being away from the face is on the score sheet, mainly for safety but also for conformity (“Competitive Cheerleading- Tips from the Judges”). “Cheerleading would be boring if all cheerleaders did was stand around and yell at the crowd.” (Wilson 69). Cheerleaders need to have very precise movement and good technique. The three main components of being a cheerleader are; cheers, stunts, and jumps. Choreographed movements enhance cheers getting the attention of the spectators. When large groups of sixteen or more move in perfect coordination, people definitely notice. All of these need to be perfected prior to performing at games, pep rallies, and competitions. As a cheerleader, your job is to create and maintain excitement and energy (Peters 41). Most people think that cheers and chants have the same meaning (Valliant 10). A cheer is longer than a chant, and often have stunts incorporated in them. A chant is a short phrase repeated several times in response to a play in the game, such as “Block that kick! Block that kick!” Both cheers and chants use arm, hand claps, or foot stomps to get the crowd motivated. There are several different arm motions that are used during chants and cheers. Diagonal is when an individual is creating a straight line with both arms, except one arm is raised and one arm is lowered. Hands on hips are the ready position which cheerleaders should be in at all times. The high V position is when an individual has both arms extended over head in a V shape. All of the arm movements must be clean and sharp. Cheerleading involves a great deal of physical skill and physical fitness. They not only have to be flexible they need to have coordination (“Being a cheerleader- History of cheerleading”). The job of a cheerleader is to create and maintain energy and excitement. The most challenging part of being a cheerleader is trying to keep enthusiasm while cheering for a losing team (LeQuire). One way to show team spirit and get the crowd to their feet is through the use of jumps after a cheer or chant is completed. Well executed jumps are eye catching, and when a squad is able to jump in unison, it looks terrific to the crowd (Peters 41). As with any physical activity, cheerleaders need to make sure that they are properly stretched prior to beginning. This will reduce the risk of injury and enhance the height of the jumps. Jumps should never be used in a negative way, for example if a player was injured on the field. Cheerleaders always have to remember they are cheering for their team, not against the other team. The first jump unique to cheerleading was the Herkie established in 1949 by Lawrence Herkimer (Wilson 91). To perform a Herkie, an individual must kick one leg out straight to the side so that it is parallel with the ground, and bend your leg so that the knee is pointing to the ground. There are several other popular jumps that are used on a regular basis at cheer events. Two of the most common jumps used during games and competitions are the Toe Touch and the Pike. The Toe Touch is probably the most popular, but must difficult jump to master. When one attempts the Toe Touch jump they will need to stretch their arms straight out to their sides, while doing the same with their legs. The higher the jump the better it looks. When learning how to do a toe touch, a partner can assist by standing behind the individual and lifting them by the waist when they jump. This drill helps practice proper jumping technique. The Pike is also considered a difficult jump where one must keep their arms parallel and raise their legs up to their chest at a 90 degree angle. To master this jump a cheerleader must be very flexible and have upper body strength. Jumps are essential and often are required for routines during competition (Wilson 87). Stunting is one of the most exciting parts of cheerleading. Who does not love the adrenaline rush of being thrown high into the air? No matter what role you play in the stunting process, nothing beats the feeling of hitting a solid stunt and hearing the crowd roar (Wilson 97). Sporting events and competitions are much more interesting to watch when cheerleaders are stunting. “Cheerleading has the strength and guts of football, the gracefulness and balance of gymnastics and the performing aspects of figure skating” (“Being a Cheerleader- History of Cheerleading). There are several different types of stunts. The most popular stunts that are in most routines are thigh stands, elevators, and libs. A thigh stand is one of the simplest stunts. The bases are in a lunge position towards each other, and the flyer jumps onto the bases thighs (Wilson 135). An elevator is when two bases each hold a different foot of one flyer at shoulder level. The elevator is used as the starting point to more advanced stunts. The lib is when two bases hold up a flyer with one of her feet in both of the bases hands, and the flyers leg is bent. The flyer must have excellent balance in order to maintain proper technique (Wilson 161). Being a cheerleader takes a lot of practice and dedication. There are several benefits of being a cheerleader. Cheerleading teaches the individual about self-esteem, fitness, eating, and sportsmanship. Cheerleading builds character along with the development of communication skills (Nesheim INT). It enables girls to have a creative outlet while instilling qualities like discipline, dedication, and responsibility. While cheering, girls learn how to maintain a positive attitude, and have strong work ethics (Wilson 34). For the cheerleader themselves, cheerleading is about personal growth and self-confidence, friendship, and accomplishment. Cheering in the 21st century promises more excitement because males and females are developing their athletic abilities along with their leadership skills and to be good role models. Cheerleaders are held to a higher standard, some set by the coaches and some set for themselves. They are representatives of the school and must always portray themselves in a positive light. The old stereotype that cheerleaders are usually the dumb, pretty girls is a thing of the past (Peters 9). "According to the National Cheerleader Association eighty-three percent of cheerleaders carry a B average or above in high school." (Peters 26). Cheerleaders take pride in their school and many squads do volunteer work in their local communities. Cheerleaders live a healthy lifestyle, which carries several health benefits such as; cardiovascular stamina, strength training, coordination, and flexibility. Tumbling, stunting, and dance routines involve cardiovascular stamina and endurance. Although most routines are only 2 minutes and 30 seconds, when one repeatedly practices it over and over it is an aerobic workout (“The Health Benefits of Cheerleading”). Strength training is received during stunting. Imagine constantly practicing lifting and supporting girls of a similar size. This involves strength, focus, and balance. “Stunting builds powerful muscles in the lower body, shoulders and core” (“Health Benefits of Cheerleading”). Cheerleading teaches coordination through cheers, dance routines, and stunts. Coordination is essential for the timing and rhythm involved in cheerleading, which teaches control of ones body. Lastly, cheerleaders are known for their flexibility. Stretching and conditioning are two elements that build flexibility in the limbs. Flexible ligaments and muscles help prevent injuries. The benefits of cheerleading keep children healthy in today’s society where childhood obesity is such an issue. Cheerleading has gradually progressed over the past 100 years to become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States; from the history, proper techniques, to the benefits of being a cheerleader.
Within the past ten years cheerleading has taken many leaps gaining in popularity. From 2000 – 2009 there has been nine movies released about cheerleading. Cheerleaders generate and reveal the hidden spirit of the crowd, while cheerleading movies capture the heart and spirit of the viewer. Cheerleading teaches one about fitness, self-esteem, leadership, and sportsmanship. So next time a cheerleading movie is on television or you are at a sporting event or cheer competition, take 2 minutes and 30 seconds to see what cheerleaders are all
about.
Work Cited
“Being a Cheerleader- History of Cheerleading.” Varsity.com June 2011. Web. Sept.21
“Competitive Cheerleading- Tips from the Judges.” Varsity.com June 2011. Web. Sept.12
“Health Benefits of Cheerleading.” Livestrong.com July 2011. Web. Sept.12
LeQuire, Heather. Personal Interview. 13 September 2011.
Nesheim, Leif-Harald. “Cheerleading Benefits.” Ezine Articles,com, Aug. 2011. Web. Sept. 9
Peters, Craig. Chants, Cheers, and Jumps. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest Publishers; 2003. Print
Valliant, Doris. History of Cheerleading. Easton, Maryland: Mason Crest Publishers; 2003. Print
Wilson, Leslie. The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading. New York, New York: Three Rivers Press; 2003. Print