history of cheerleading essay

Cheerleading History: Timeline & How it started

Jessica D’Addabbo

January 27, 2024

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Cheerleading history, an essential component of American sports culture, has evolved significantly since its inception.

Dive into the fascinating world of cheerleading history and explore its origins, growth, and impact on sports today!

Let’s cheer on!

Table of Contents

Cheerleading History Summary

1970s – 1980s, 2000s – 2010s, who invented cheerleading, how did cheerleading become so popular, where did cheerleading originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Cheerleading began in the late 19th century as an all-male activity to support college sports teams. Women joined the scene in the 1920s, and cheerleading transformed into a dynamic performance art combining gymnastics, dance, and elaborate stunts.
• 🚀   Rise to Prominence: The birth of professional cheerleading teams in the 1960s and the formation of competitive cheerleading organizations in the 1970s and 1980s propelled cheerleading to new heights. Today, it is a highly-regarded competitive sport with worldwide recognition and participation.
• 🥇   Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Cheerleading has continuously evolved through incorporating diverse influences, incorporating new techniques, and embracing advancements in safety and training. The sport’s outreach programs and recognition as a provisional Olympic sport underscore its lasting impact on the global sports stage.

Cheerleading History Timeline

Considered the birthplace of cheerleading, the University of Minnesota is where student Johnny Campbell led the first organized cheer at a college football game. With his fellow student supporters, Campbell formed the school’s first spirit squad to cheer on their team.

This event marked the beginning of cheerleading as an organized sport in the United States. Cheerleading squads quickly became more common among colleges and universities across the nation.

In the 1920s, women started joining cheerleading squads, and all-female cheer teams began to form. At this time, cheerleading underwent a significant transformation, becoming more focused on gymnastics and dance elements.

Also, during this decade, the initial cheerleading uniforms were introduced, consisting of sweaters, skirts, and saddle shoes. These uniforms established a recognizable visual identity for cheerleading and set the foundation for the athletic wear we see today.

In 1948, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, a former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University, founded the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) . By conducting workshops and cheerleading camps across the nation, the NCA played a vital role in standardizing and promoting the sport of cheerleading.

Herkimer is also credited with inventing the “Herkie” jump, the popular spirit stick, and the iconic pom-poms widely associated with cheerleading today.

The 1960s marked the beginning of professional cheerleading teams. In 1961, the Baltimore Colts became the first National Football League (NFL) team to have an official cheerleading squad. This development significantly raised the profile of cheerleading within the national sports landscape.

Later in the decade, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders debuted their iconic uniforms and elaborate routines, setting a new standard for professional cheerleading and helping to elevate the sport’s reputation and popularity.

In the late 1970s, cheerleading took a competitive turn with the establishment of the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the American Cheerleading Association (ACA) . These organizations facilitated the growth of competitive cheerleading as a distinct sport apart from sideline cheering.

Throughout the 1980s, cheerleading continued to integrate advanced choreography, gymnastics, and stunts, significantly raising the bar for competitive cheerleading teams. Competitions like the National High School Cheerleading Championship helped to popularize and define the sport.

In the 1990s, competitive cheerleading experienced significant international growth. Countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan started introducing cheerleading into their schools and forming national competitive cheer organizations.

This decade also saw a rise in all-star cheerleading teams, which were not associated with schools or sports teams. These privately-run clubs focused solely on competitive cheerleading and produced highly skilled athletes.

In the early 2000s, the sport of cheerleading gained even more recognition as ESPN began broadcasting competitions to a wider audience. This increased exposure led to greater public awareness of cheerleading as a competitive sport.

The 2010s witnessed further advancements in cheerleading, including the establishment of the International Cheer Union (ICU) and its recognized status as a member of the International Olympic Committee, supporting the sport’s potential inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Johnny Campbell, an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, invented Cheerleading. He led the crowd in a cheer during a football game in 1898, marking the birth of cheerleading.

Cheerleading’s popularity grew with its spread to high schools, colleges, and professional sports. Key factors include the inclusion of acrobatic stunts, dance routines, and the introduction of competitive cheerleading.

Cheerleading originated in the United States, specifically at the University of Minnesota, as a way to generate crowd participation and support for sports teams.

Jessica D'Addabbo, originally from California, has excelled in competitive cheerleading for six years, notably as a flyer and tumbler, winning first place at a national competition. Transitioning from her athletic achievements, she is now graduating from medical school in the Midwest and ready to apply her unique blend of discipline and teamwork in her future endeavors. She's also the creator behind the travel blog, travelandtannins.com

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Essay on Cheerleading

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cheerleading in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cheerleading

What is cheerleading.

Cheerleading is a lively activity where teams cheer for their sports team and entertain audiences. It combines dance, jumps, cheers, and stunts to lead the crowd to support their team. Cheerleaders wear matching uniforms and use pom-poms.

The History of Cheerleading

Cheerleading started in the United States around 1898. It was first an all-male activity, but now it is mostly females. Over time, it has become more complex with difficult stunts and gymnastics included.

Types of Cheerleading

There are two main types of cheerleading: school cheerleading and competitive cheerleading. School cheerleaders cheer for their school’s sports teams, while competitive cheerleaders compete against other teams.

Skills Required

Cheerleaders must be fit, strong, and flexible. They need to work as a team and have the ability to perform under pressure. Being positive and energetic is also important to be a good cheerleader.

Benefits of Cheerleading

Cheerleading teaches teamwork, discipline, and confidence. It also improves physical health. Most importantly, it’s fun and allows cheerleaders to make friends and enjoy school spirit.

250 Words Essay on Cheerleading

Cheerleading is a lively activity where teams shout out special cheers and perform high-energy routines to support sports teams and entertain audiences. It includes dance, jumps, tumbling, and stunts. Cheerleaders wear bright, matching outfits and use pom-poms, banners, and megaphones to grab everyone’s attention.

Cheerleading started in the United States around the late 1800s. It was first an all-male activity, with men leading crowds at football games. Women joined in when most young men went to fight in World War II. Since then, cheerleading has grown a lot and is now a mostly female sport, though men still participate.

Competitions and Teams

Cheerleading isn’t just about supporting other sports. Teams also compete against each other. They work hard to create perfect routines that they perform in front of judges. The judges look at how well they do their stunts, dance, and tumbling. The teams try to be the best and win trophies.

The Importance of Teamwork

Being a cheerleader means you have to work well with others. Team members must trust each other, especially when doing dangerous stunts. Everyone has a special role, and they must all practice a lot to make sure their routines are safe and look good.

Cheerleading is a fun and exciting sport that helps people feel the spirit of a game and entertains them. It teaches teamwork, dedication, and athleticism. Whether cheerleaders are lifting the crowd’s spirit or competing, they bring energy and joy wherever they go.

500 Words Essay on Cheerleading

Cheerleading is a lively activity that combines dance, acrobatics, and chants to support sports teams and entertain audiences. Often seen on the sidelines of football and basketball games, cheerleaders use pompoms, jumps, and cheers to get the crowd excited and cheer on their team. It’s not just about shouting and clapping; cheerleaders practice hard to perform their routines with energy and precision.

Cheerleading started in the United States over 100 years ago. It began as an all-male activity at university football games, with students leading the crowd in cheers to support their team. Over time, cheerleading transformed and women became the majority. Now, it’s a sport that both boys and girls enjoy all over the world.

There are two main types of cheerleading: sideline and competitive. Sideline cheerleading is what you see at sports games, where cheerleaders lead cheers and perform routines to support a team. Competitive cheerleading is different. Teams compete against each other, showing off their best jumps, stunts, and dance moves. They work on a routine, set to music, that they perform at competitions.

The Skills Needed

Being a cheerleader takes a lot of different skills. Cheerleaders must be strong and fit to lift their teammates and perform jumps and stunts. They also need to be able to dance and move to the beat of the music. Timing is important because all the moves need to be done together, as a team. Cheerleaders also need to be loud and clear when they lead cheers so the crowd can follow along.

Teamwork is at the heart of cheerleading. Each member of the team has a role to play, and they must trust each other to perform stunts and routines safely. They practice together for hours to make sure everyone knows the routine perfectly. When they perform, they rely on each other to do their part so the whole routine looks smooth and impressive.

Safety in Cheerleading

Cheerleading can be risky because of the high-flying stunts and complex moves. That’s why safety is very important. Cheerleaders use mats when they practice stunts, and they learn how to fall without getting hurt. They also have coaches who teach them the correct way to perform each move. By practicing safely, cheerleaders can avoid injuries and have fun.

In conclusion, cheerleading is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, teamwork, and spirit. It has a rich history and continues to evolve. Whether on the sidelines of a game or in a competition, cheerleaders work hard to perfect their routines and lift the spirits of those around them. It’s a challenging and exciting activity that brings people together to support and motivate their teams.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Cheerleading As Sport
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Exploring the Rich History of Cheerleading: From Its Origins to Modern Day

Cheerleading has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century. From its humble beginnings as a male-dominated activity to its evolution into a highly competitive and influential sport, cheerleading has undergone significant transformations over the years. In this article, we will delve into the origins of cheerleading, explore its progression through different eras, and discuss how it has become an integral part of modern-day sports culture. Whether you are a cheerleading enthusiast or simply curious about the subject, join us on this journey to uncover the captivating past of cheerleading and its enduring impact on society.

Origins of Cheerleading

Roots in ancient history.

Cheerleading, as we know it today, can trace its roots back to ancient history. In fact, the concept of cheering and chanting in support of a team or a cause has been a part of human culture for centuries. In ancient Greece, for example, fans of various sports would gather to cheer for their favorite athletes during the Olympic Games. These early displays of enthusiasm and support laid the foundation for the cheerleading we see today.

Early College Spirit Rallies

Cheerleading took a significant leap forward during the late 19th century, particularly in the United States. It was during this time that colleges and universities began organizing spirit rallies to promote school pride and unity. These rallies often included coordinated chants, songs, and organized movements to engage the crowd and inspire team spirit. These early college spirit rallies played a crucial role in shaping the modern concept of cheerleading.

First Organized Cheerleading Squad

The birth of the first organized cheerleading squad is credited to the University of Minnesota. In 1898, Johnny Campbell, a student at the university, gathered a group of six male students to lead cheers at a football game. This marked the beginning of what would later become an integral part of American sports culture. The primary purpose of this early cheerleading squad was to energize the crowd and rally support for the team. Little did they know that they were laying the groundwork for a phenomenon that would flourish and evolve over the years.

The origins of cheerleading, deeply rooted in ancient history and college spirit rallies, set the stage for the growth and evolution of this vibrant and energetic activity. From its humble beginnings at the University of Minnesota, cheerleading would go on to become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences and inspiring team spirit across the world.

Evolution of Cheerleading

Introduction of pom-poms.

The introduction of pom-poms in cheerleading marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the sport. Originally, cheerleaders used megaphones to amplify their voices and create enthusiasm among spectators. However, in the 1930s, a cheerleading coach named Lawrence Herkimer came up with the idea of incorporating pom-poms into routines. These colorful and spirited accessories added flair and visual appeal to cheerleading performances, enhancing the overall entertainment value.

Inclusion of Stunts and Tumbling

As cheerleading continued to evolve, the inclusion of stunts and tumbling became an integral part of the sport. In the 1940s, cheerleaders started incorporating acrobatic moves such as pyramids, lifts, and basket tosses into their routines. These daring maneuvers not only showcased the athleticism of cheerleaders but also added an element of excitement and thrill to their performances. This shift towards more complex and physically demanding routines transformed cheerleading into a highly dynamic and visually captivating sport.

Competitive Cheerleading and National Championships

In the late 20th century, cheerleading experienced a significant shift towards competitive cheerleading. What was once primarily a sideline activity to support other sports teams evolved into a sport of its own. Competitive cheerleading involves teams competing against each other based on the difficulty and execution of their routines. This change brought about the establishment of national championships exclusively for cheerleading.

National championships provide a platform for teams from different schools and organizations to showcase their skills and creativity. These competitions have become highly prestigious, attracting large audiences and media coverage. Cheerleaders now train rigorously to master intricate routines, combining dance, tumbling, stunts, and synchronized movements to impress judges and secure top positions.

In conclusion, the evolution of cheerleading has seen the introduction of pom-poms, the inclusion of stunts and tumbling, and the rise of competitive cheerleading and national championships. These advancements have transformed cheerleading from a simple sideline activity to a highly athletic and visually captivating sport that continues to gain popularity and recognition worldwide.

Impact of Cheerleading in Pop Culture

Cheerleading in movies and tv shows.

Cheerleading has had a significant impact on pop culture, particularly in the realm of movies and TV shows. Many films and television series have portrayed cheerleaders as vibrant and energetic characters, showcasing their athleticism and team spirit. Movies like "Bring It On" and its sequels have become cult classics, shedding light on the intense world of competitive cheerleading. These films not only entertain but also educate the audience about the dedication and hard work that goes into being a cheerleader.

TV shows like "Glee" and "Friday Night Lights" have also contributed to the popularity of cheerleading. They have provided a platform to showcase the talent and passion of cheerleaders, bringing their stories to a wider audience. These shows have helped break stereotypes and shed light on the diverse individuals involved in cheerleading, portraying them as multidimensional characters with their own dreams and aspirations.

Cheerleading’s Influence on Fashion and Music

Cheerleading has had a profound influence on fashion and music trends. The vibrant and eye-catching uniforms worn by cheerleaders have inspired fashion designers to incorporate elements of cheerleading aesthetics into their collections. From bold colors and stripes to pleated skirts and athletic-inspired tops, cheerleading uniforms have become a source of inspiration for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Moreover, cheerleading has also influenced the music industry. Cheerleading routines often feature high-energy music with catchy beats and uplifting lyrics. These songs have not only become anthems for cheerleading squads but have also gained popularity among mainstream audiences. Artists like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift have even incorporated cheerleading themes in their music videos, further cementing the influence of cheerleading on popular culture.

Cheerleading as a Spectator Sport

Cheerleading has evolved into a spectator sport, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances and competitive nature. Cheerleading competitions draw in crowds from all walks of life, who come to witness the acrobatic stunts, synchronized routines, and impressive athleticism displayed by cheerleaders. These events have become a source of entertainment for families, friends, and sports enthusiasts, generating a sense of excitement and camaraderie among spectators.

Cheerleading has also found a place in major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and college football games. Cheerleaders not only energize the crowd but also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the event, creating a sense of unity and support for the teams they represent. With their captivating performances and infectious enthusiasm, cheerleaders have become an integral part of the spectator experience, leaving a lasting impact on the world of sports entertainment.

In conclusion, cheerleading’s impact on pop culture is undeniable. From its portrayal in movies and TV shows to its influence on fashion, music, and spectator sports, cheerleading has left a lasting impression on society. It continues to inspire and empower individuals, showcasing the strength, talent, and dedication of cheerleaders around the world.

In conclusion, cheerleading has a rich and fascinating history that spans several centuries. From its humble beginnings as a male-dominated activity in the late 19th century to its evolution into a highly competitive and popular sport in modern times, cheerleading has continuously adapted and grown. It has not only become an integral part of American culture but has also gained international recognition. Today, cheerleading encompasses a wide range of skills, athleticism, and teamwork, making it a demanding and respected sport. As we look back on its origins and development, it is evident that cheerleading has come a long way and will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.

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Being a Cheerleader – History of Cheerleading

Posted October 20, 2014 in Library

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Cheerleading’s roots are closely tied to American football’s. The first intercollegiate game was played in 1869, between Princeton University and Rutgers University in New Jersey, and by the 1880s, Princeton had formed an all-male pep club. A graduate of Princeton, Thomas Peebles, took the Princeton cheers to the University of Minnesota, where football and fight songs were becoming very popular. In 1898, U of M was on a losing streak, and a medical student named Johnny Campbell assembled a group to energize the team and the crowd. Johnny picked up a megaphone and rallied the team to victory with the first organized cheer: “Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-U-Mah! Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Minn-e-so-tah!

Cheerleading grew from there. It wasn’t until 1923 that women were allowed to cheer for the first time, at the University of Minnesota. During this decade, cheerleaders added tumbling and acrobatics to their routines, and a University of Oregon cheerleader used flashcards for the first time. Although women were joining teams in the ‘20s, it wasn’t until the ‘40s that they joined in large numbers, since so many college-aged men went off to fight in World War II.

In 1948, Southern Methodist University cheerleader Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer held the first summer cheerleading clinic at Sam Houston State Teacher’s College (now State University), and went on to develop his signature “Herkie” jump, the spirit stick and the pom pon, all cheerleading staples to this day. In 1961, he incorporated the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).

By the 1960s, cheerleading could be found in virtually every high school and grade school across the country, and pee wee and youth leagues had developed as well. In 1974, Jeff Webb (who had been general manager of NCA) founded Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), which taught higher level skills. The ‘80s decade brought the launch of many more event companies, as well as AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators), in 1987, the first association devoted to teaching safety to coaches and advisors. UCA has grown into Varsity Spirit Corp., today, encompassing 17 cheerleading event, apparel and service companies.

All Star cheerleading started in the late ‘80s, and grew rapidly through the ‘90s. All Star cheerleading focused on athletic training and competition performances, as opposed to school-based cheerleading, which still encompassed leadership and spirit qualities. Today, many companies offer both scholastic and All Star categories, and some companies focus primarily on All Star cheerleading.

The original purpose of cheerleading is still relevant in today’s world, even with the increasing popularity of competition.

Cheerleaders are the promoters of their schools and communities. They are a key marketing tool to the athletics programs that they support, and they create the community patriotism we call “school spirit.” Most importantly, they are tomorrow’s leaders who through the development of athletic skills, leadership, and teamwork will be vital members of the community in the future.  Be a cheerleader and become a leader.

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Cheerleading’s peculiar path to potential Olympic sport

Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Penn State

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Jaime Schultz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Is cheerleading a sport?

The International Olympic Committee thinks so. In December, the IOC’s executive board voted to provisionally recognize cheerleading . This means that for the next three years, the IOC will provide the International Cheer Union (ICU) with at least US$25,000 annually to promote the sport. During that time, the ICU can apply for full Olympic recognition in the Summer Olympic Games. ICU president Jeff Webb called the decision a “monumental milestone for cheerleading” and “the culmination of my life’s work.”

I study the history of women’s sport, which makes me curious about Webb’s enthusiasm for the IOC’s decision. In the past, he has argued against classifying cheerleading as a sport. So why the sudden reversal?

The IOC’s decision isn’t the first time a major organization has played a role in determining whether cheerleading is a sport. A brief history shows that the debate is more complicated – and more political – than it might seem.

A brief history of cheer

Cheerleading dates back to the late 1800s, when U.S. college football started gaining popularity. “Cheer leading” – as it was then known – was for men only and the “rooter kings” and “yell leaders” were often captains of other sports teams. The prestige of the position, The Nation wrote in 1911 , was “hardly second to that of having been a quarter-back.”

Around the 1930s, girls and women began pushing for inclusion. By World War II, the demographics of most squads changed, and cheerleading transformed from a physical activity to a primarily social activity.

Soon, professional teams found that cheerleaders’ wholesome sexuality boosted the entertainment value of their product. By the mid-1970s, an estimated 95 percent of all cheerleaders were girls and women.

A business booms

Title IX of the Education Amendment Acts of 1972 ushered in the first debate over cheerleading’s status as a sport. School administrators who hoped to count cheerleaders as athletes in order to comply with the new law were soon disappointed. In 1975, the Office of Civil Rights resolved that cheerleading was an “extracurricular activity,” not a sport. That is, it was more like marching band than basketball.

With a range of new athletic opportunities brought about by Title IX and a changing society, girls and women began to turn away from cheerleading. In response, leaders of the emerging “spirit industry,” who sought to expand and profit from the activity, made it more athletic by encouraging the use of acrobatic stunts and tumbling. Leading the charge was Jeff Webb, a former collegiate cheerleader who, in 1974, founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association and, later, the Varsity Spirit Corporation.

Webb held his first training camp in the summer of 1975. In 1979 Varsity began selling cheerleading uniforms; in 1980 it held the first high school cheerleading championship, which ESPN broadcast in 1983. Since then, Varsity has either acquired or driven out its competitors to virtually corner the cheerleading market .

By the 1990s, cheerleaders were athletes, and Varsity was big business.

Today, Varsity Spirit is part of Varsity Brands Inc., which, among its many holdings, includes a staggering and diverse number of cheerleading and dance assets, including USA Cheer, the National Cheerleaders Association (once a rival organization), the National Dance Alliance, American Cheerleader magazine, and Varsity.tv. It hosts camps and clinics and stages cheerleading’s biggest competitions. It owns cheerleading gyms and academies around the world. It provides cheerleading insurance and coaching safety and certification courses. But Varsity’s biggest moneymaker is its uniforms and accessories division. Experts estimate it commands more than 80 percent of the market .

Varsity Brands also backs the ICU.

Follow the money?

To be clear, competitive cheerleading – the variety the ICU and related groups promote – is distinct from traditional sideline cheerleading, where supportive auxiliaries rally crowds and promote school spirit. While cheerleaders can participate in both varieties of the activity, competitive cheer focuses on contests against other squads at the local, regional, national and now international levels.

A key moment in cheerleading history came with the 2010 Biediger v. Quinnipiac University case, in which Quinnipiac volleyball players and their coach filed suit after university administrators cut their team. In place of volleyball, they promoted competitive cheerleading to varsity sport status.

At the trial, Webb took the stand as an expert witness to testify that cheerleading was not a sport. The judge agreed , deciding that “Competitive cheer may, some time in the future, qualify as a sport under Title IX; today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students.”

Critics contend that Webb’s testimony had everything to do with Varsity’s bottom line. If cheerleading became a recognized sport, it would need to abide by regulations that limited athletes’ practice sessions and competitive seasons, just like any other sport. This would have undermined Varsity’s for-profit competitions, camps, clinics and any number of ventures in which Varsity engages. As the Houston Press pointed out :

“In one of Varsity’s 2003 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Varsity was briefly a public company), the company stated that recognition of cheerleading as an official sport and the ensuing increased regulation ‘would likely have a material adverse affect on Varsity’s business, financial condition and results of operations.’”

Webb and his supporters countered that by disallowing sideline activities and other traditional duties, competition-only teams would ruin cheerleading as we know it. Although squads may, from time to time, compete, their primary duties are to provide support to other teams and to their respective schools.

Toward a new kind of sport

In the meantime, safety concerns have compelled the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and a number of state high school athletic federations to define cheerleading as a sport. Varsity has fought this trend. But advocates argue that sport status will provide cheerleaders with better equipment and facilities, better training for the coaches and scholastic oversight.

For these same reasons, a number of other schools, including Quinnipiac, joined together to form the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA). The organization currently boasts 17 member institutions, headed by the University of Oregon and Baylor University

NCATA officials took careful pains to divorce their sport from cheerleading. Gone are the typical uniforms, the chants and the pom-poms. The competition format and skill set are unique. The group’s website notes that acrobatics and tumbling (A&T) is “the evolution of different forms of gymnastics” that includes only “the athletic aspects of cheerleading.” With the backing of USA Gymnastics, the NCATA has since petitioned the NCAA for “emerging sport” status (like provisional recognition from the IOC, it’s not a championship sport but could become one in the future).

Not to be outdone, USA Cheer (part of Varsity Brands; tax documents show Webb as director) approached the NCAA with its own cheer-gymnastic hybrid called STUNT .

So according to Webb and his compatriots, STUNT is a sport, but cheerleading isn’t – except when it comes to the Olympics.

A slippery definition

I’m not trying to come down on one side of the debate, and I’m not arguing against cheerleading’s place on the Olympic program. But after trying to sort through the logic behind that decision, I’m a bit skeptical. Or maybe I’m just confused.

Perhaps most confusing is that the ICU is not pushing for STUNT to become an Olympic sport; it’s pushing for cheerleading, which Webb and his Varsity compatriots unfailingly maintain isn’t a sport.

It’s not clear what Olympic cheerleading competitions might look like, but the ICU’s website shows both coed and all-female divisions, with categories in team cheer, team performance cheer (with a note in the rules that stipulates “No cheers or chants allowed”) and partner and group stunts.

We might even see yet another version at the Olympic level. This is because when the ICU initially sought membership with SportAccord – a crucial step in getting official IOC recognition – the international governing body of gymnastics (F.I.G.) opposed the application on the grounds that “Cheerleading is Gymnastics and that Cheerleading is not a distinct Sport.” The ICU could only gain acceptance after its representatives signed a contract that essentially maintained “Cheer/Chant” in its original iteration and looked nothing like gymnastics. In other words, the version of cheerleading the ICU hopes to appear on the Olympic program is the same version of cheerleading Webb consistently asserts is not a sport.

So is cheerleading a sport? I guess it depends on who you ask and why you’re asking.

The IOC’s most recent decision to provisionally recognize cheer doesn’t necessarily mean we will see it at 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But we might. And it’s too early to tell what, exactly, we’ll be cheering.

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History of Cheerleading

“Rah rah rah! Tiger, Tiger, Sis, Sis, Sis! Boom, Boom Boom! Aaaah! Princeton, Princeton, Princeton! ” Just like anything else, cheerleading has quite a history behind it. From the first chants at Princeton University to one of today’s most popular National pastimes, cheerleading has come a long way the past ten decades. In ancient times spectators cheered for runners in races held during the first ever Olympic Games in ancient Greece. In the 1860’s students in Great Britain began cheering at competitive sporting events and soon the idea spread to the United States .

In 1884, Thomas Peebles, a graduate of Princeton University, took that yell and formed the first pep club. They created the first-known cheer sport of football to the University of Minnesota. It was from that campus that organized cheerleading began. According to the book, History of Cheerleading, cheerleading as we know it today was initiated in 1898 by Jack Campbell, an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota. The football team was having a pitiful season and was looking for a way to send positive energy to the players.

Campbell stood in front of the crowd and directed them in a chant. Campbell became the first ever cheerleader. Therefore, cheerleading officially began on November 2, 1898. Soon after that, the university organized a “yell leader” squad consisting of four males. Cheerleading was dominated by men in its early years. However, when large numbers of young men went off to fight in World War II, the tables turned. More than 90% of cheerleaders were female from that point on. The evolution of cheerleading as a sport, again led by The University of Minnesota, started in the 1920’s.

As skills dramatically increased, cheerleading began to receive recognition as a serious athletic activity. Gymnastics, tumbling, pyramids, partner stunts, and advanced jumps became incorporated in cheers. According to Cheer Magazine, the 1930’s brought on the growth of showmanship in cheerleading and cheerleading became more entertaining to watch. Several colleges offered scholarships, college credits, and a four year letter program. Widespread use of the megaphone began the 1900’s as a way to increase the sound of the voice so that it carried throughout the stands.

During this time, the first cheerleader fraternity was organized, an all-male organization called Gamma Sigma. Women finally came into the scene in the late 1930’s. Paper pom pons were also discovered in the 1930’s. They were brightly colored strips of crepe paper in the school’s colors. The poms made the arm movements stand out so that fans even in the highest and farthest seats from the field could see the cheerleaders. Paper pom pons did not hold up in rainy whether. In the 1960’s Fred Gastoff invented the vinyl pom pon. It remains the cheerleader’s most used prop.

Who would have guessed a man would have the largest impact on the growth of cheerleading. Well its true and his name is Lawrence Herkimer. Herkimer has done much for cheerleading in the United States . He founded the National Cheerleading Association at Southern Methodist University. He also taught the first cheerleading camp at Sam Houston College. The first year fifty two girls attended and by the next year the size of the camp had grown to 350. Herkimer had no idea that he would end up with 20,000 girls attending cheerleading camp in the summertime.

Herkimer also was the inventor of a very popular cheerleading jump which was named “the herkie” after him. Once the cheerleaders were trained, they needed a source for sweaters, skirts, and other cheerleading gear. In the early 1950s, Herkimer opened the Cheerleaders Supply Company to offer apparel, equipment, and fundraising items. Today, the Cheerleaders Supply Company and the National Cheerleaders Association have combined to become a multi-million dollar operation. Herkimer also invented the spirit stick, one of the most important cheerleading camp traditions.

In 1954 during an NCA Cheer Camp, the first spirit stick was awarded. The first stick was a simple tree limb that had been cut, then painted in Herkimer’s garage. From such humble origins, the spirit stick has become one of the most coveted camp awards. I bet many of you thought cheerleading was just about looking pretty and standing on the sidelines while yelling chants and performing stunts, but there is actually many different types of cheerleading. According to the magazine a Cheerleaders Guide to life, in the 1960’s, the National Football League teams began to organize professional cheerleading teams.

It was the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who gained the spotlight with their revealing outfits and sophisticated dance moves. They were first seen widely in Super Bowl X. This caused the image of cheerleaders to permanently change, with many other NFL teams emulating them. Most of the professional teams’ squads would be more accurately described as dance teams. They don’t usually lead cheers instead, they are crowd pleasers themselves. In the 1980’s, National cheerleading competitions for junior and senior high school as well as collegiate squads took place across America.

The first nation-wide television broadcast of the Collegiate Cheerleading Championships on CBS-TV in the spring of 1980, initiated by the International Cheerleading Foundation. The University of KY has won more National College Championships than any other college. In the early 1990’s, All-Star teams emerged. These are cheerleading teams not associated with schools or sports leagues, whose main objective is to compete. An All-star squad prepares almost year-round for many different competition appearances, but they only actually perform for up to 2 ? minutes during their routine.

They are invited to competitions across the country. During a competition routine, a squad performs carefully choreographed stunting, tumbling, jumping and dancing to their own custom music . All-star cheerleading is a relatively young sport, but it is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. Now that you know how cheerleading began, lets take a look at how it is today. Cheerleaders in the 21st century do not just stand on the sidelines; they perform center stage. They are dancers, stunters, gymnasts, choreographers, and artists. Some are bases strong enough to lift people their own weight way above their heads.

Others are so light they can be tossed twenty feet into the air. Cheerleaders not only cheer for football and basketball, but also various sports such as wrestling, swimming and track. They have also begun cheering for both male and female teams. Males are also making a comeback in cheerleading. In 2002, 95% of all cheerleaders were female, and 5% were male – Up 3% from the year before. Kentucky Welseyan also made an addition of 4 males onto their squad last season. Cheerleading promotes enthusiastic, positive attitude and school spirit within schools and the community.

A person must be highly skilled and competitive in order to achieve the honored and respected position of cheerleader. This list includes former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, actors Jimmy Stewart and Kirk Douglass, and actresses Meryl Streep and Halle Berry. Today, cheerleading enjoys a reputation of being an important leadership force on practically every high school and college campus in America. Cheerleading attracts elementary, high school and college men and women across the United States . According to Cheer Magazine there are nearly 3. 5 million cheerleaders in the United States alone.

Their common goal is to effectively lead a crowd in support of an athletic team and to generate spirit and pride. Whether you view cheerleading as a sport or a student activity, it remains one of the most popular across the United States and throughout the world. Whether an all-star or a member of the varsity squad, cheerleaders are graceful, strong athletes and gymnast with plenty of bounce, energy, and coordination. These yell leaders are no longer all male, but they still can bring a crowd to their feet. They tumble, flip, and fly. Some of today’s best gymnasts aren’t sprinting across a mat or perching dangerously on a balance beam.

Instead, they are wearing a cheerleader uniform. References Cobourn, Pam. “The History of Cheerleading. ” 25 Nov 2006. ;http://www. dreamquest sports. us/cheer-history. htm;. Froiland, Paul. “History of Cheerleading. ” Cheer Magazine. 2003. Academic Search Premier. ProQuest. 25 Nov. ;http://proquest. umi. com;. Valliant, Doris. History of Cheerleading. Philadelphia: Mason Crest Publishers, 2003. Villarreal, Cindy. “Becoming a Cheerleader. ” The Cheerleaders Guide to Life. 2002. Academic Search Premier. ProQuest. 26 Nov. ;http://proquest. umi. com. ;

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Cheerleading — Being A Cheerleader

Being a Cheerleader

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 678 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Athleticism and physical fitness, teamwork and collaboration, discipline, time management, and perseverance, self-expression and empowerment, leadership and responsibility, the transformative nature of cheerleading, in conclusion.

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Cheers from 1920s journal

Colleges across the country noticed a vast improvement in athletics during the 1920s. One sport today is characterized by the feminization that it entails: cheerleading is now stereotyped as being an all-girl ordeal, however it was not always that way. The first cheerleaders at Concordia and in America were male and they dominated the sport until the 1920s when the first females joined and forever changed the sport.[1] This is a journal/notebook from the 1920s that contains cheers and yells that were used at Concordia College sporting events. This journal was donated by Marjorie Gevre, who was a student that attended Concordia at the time. Cheerleading by the 1920s was organized and widespread throughout America and in American colleges especially.[2] Concordia College followed the national trend of feminizing cheerleading in the 1920s.

The first step for feminizing cheerleading at Concordia was when the Rooter King or the person who led the cheers, allowed two females to be his assistants. From then on more females joined the pep squads. For example, between 1930-1931 nine freshmen girls whom called themselves the Ninepins each wore a designated letter on their sweater to spell out C-O-N-C-O-R-D-I-A which created the college’s first pep squad of girls that aided in cheering on athletes during games and entertaining the crowd at intermissions.[3]

[1] Natalie G. Adams and Pamela J. Bettis, Cheerleader! An American Icon (New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2003), 28.

[2] Mary E. Hanson, Go! Fight! Win! Cheerleading in American Culture (Ohio: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1995), 14.

[3] Erling N. Rolfsrud, “The 1920s were a golden age of college sports,” Cobber Chronicle, March 13, 1930, Moorhead (MN).

Essay By Emily Wendorff

Cobber History Harvest

A Brief History of Cheerleading

How cheering for one's team became an organized sport in its own right

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ESSAY COLLECTION

The Pioneer Essay Contest was held annually from 1958 until 2012 and was open to anyone writing on subjects of Santa Clara County history. The contest was reintroduced in 2019, with each year adding more possibilities for entry.

Some of the best essays are published in our quarterly journal, The Trailblazer, and all winning essays are maintained on file in the Mary Lou Lyon Research Library, and in the California Room of the Martin Luther King/San Jose State Library.

Soon we will have all past essay contest entries and winners available online – below you can find our most recent entries from the 2020-21 contest!

First Prize: Kathryn a Collins Philp “The Boiler Explosion at the J.C. Penny Company Building: San Jose, California, 1963”

FIRST PLACE: Michael A. Shea MD Nineteenth Century Medicine in the Santa Clara Valley

Russ Robinson The McKee Family Letters

Lynn Rogers LIGHTING A SPARK Santa Clara Valley Autism Pioneers in the 1980s and 1990s

1st Place, Sandra Lathrop Mueller PIONEERING A PLACE FOR ECOLOGY

2nd Place, Stephen Scordelis SELLING A NAME: PAUL MASSON, CHAMPAGNE KING OF CALIFORNIA

3rd Place, Mrs. Rosalinda G. Oneto A.P. GIANNINI: SAN JOSE AND ALVISO YEARS AND THE ONETO FAMILY

Honorable Mention, Lan-Uyen Trang Stephanie Nguyen LEARNING SKILLS TO LAST A LIFE TIME AND TRADITIONS TO LAST FOREVER

Honorable Mention, Kimberlee Manzo LEGACY OF PRUNES: A TRIBUTE TO THE ORSETTI FAMILY

Honorable Mention, Rebecca Leahy STANFORD UNIVERSITY: ITS HISTORY, LEGACY AND INFLUENCE

FIRST PLACE: Elizabeth Barratt

FIRST PLACE: Elizabeth Ahrens-Kley Dr. Ben Cory Pioneer and First Medical Physician of San Jose, California

SECOND PLACE: Gage Mckinney Santa Clara Valley Troubadour A Life & Selected Poems of Thomas Clarence Urmy ( read additional poems )

THIRD PLACE: Kathleen Kozacek WHERE THE GIRLS ARE Castilleja: A College Preparatory School for Girls in Santa Clara County Castilleja

HONORABLE MENTION: Grace Andriola Purpura A WOMAN’S PLACE, A Personal Journey in the Changing Santa Clara Valley

HONORABLE MENTION: JOANNA HERZ If Walls Can Talk

HONORABLE MENTION: Susan Sargent Presidential Visits Then and Now

Ruth McCaffrey The Indelible Stamp

Elizabeth Barratt The F.R.F.G. Women’s Study Club

FIRST PLACE: John Figueira Jr . Portuguese Museum Plaza Design and Construction Project

FIRST PRIZE: Kathryn Collins Philp The President, Politics, and the Police

SECOND PRIZE: Elizabeth Barratt The Pioneer James Ingham Family

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California Missions

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 21, 2018 | Original: December 21, 2017

The California missions began in the late 18th century as an effort to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and expand European territory. There were 21 missions in all, lasting from 1769 until about 1833.

The California missions began in the late 18th century as an effort to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and expand European territory. Spain was responsible for the missions, which scholars believe were attempts to colonize the Pacific coast of North America. There were 21 missions in all, lasting from 1769 until about 1833. The mission system brought many new cultural and religious ideas to California, though critics charge the systematic oppression of Native Americans amounted to slavery.

Junipero Serra

Although Spain claimed California as its territory in 1542, Spaniards didn’t try to occupy the land until the late 1700s.

Around the time of the first missions, Spain had a considerable presence in Mexico . In 1769, the Spanish king ordered land and sea expeditions to depart from Mexico to California. He also sent military troops and Franciscan missionaries to the new land.

Franciscan priest Father Junipero Serra founded the first mission in 1769. This was known as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and was located in present-day San Diego. San Diego Mission

The native Indians who occupied the region were initially resistant to the mission. In 1775, hundreds of local Tipai-Ipai Indians attacked and burned the San Diego Mission, killing three men, including Father Luis Jayme. The missionaries rebuilt the mission as an army fort.

Junipero Serra went on to establish eight more missions before his death in 1784.

Goals of the Missions

The main goal of the California missions was to convert Native Americans into devoted Christians and Spanish citizens.

Spain used mission work to influence the natives with cultural and religious instruction.

Another motivation for the missions was to ensure that rival countries, such as Russia and Great Britain, didn’t try to occupy the California region first.

California Missions List

The 21 California missions, listed in the order they were founded, are:

1. (1769) Mission San Diego de Alcalá 2. (1770) Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo 3. (1771) Mission San Antonio de Padua 4. (1771) Mission San Gabriel 5. (1772) Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 6. (1776) Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) 7. (1776) Mission San Juan Capistrano 8. (1777) Mission Santa Clara de Asís 9. (1782) Mission San Buenaventura 10. (1786) Mission Santa Barbara 11. (1787) Mission La Purísima Concepción 12. (1791) Mission Santa Cruz 13. (1791) Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad 14. (1797) Mission San José 15. (1797) Mission San Juan Bautista 16. (1797) Mission San Miguel Arcángel 17. (1797) Mission San Fernando Rey de España 18. (1798) Mission San Luis Rey de Francia 19. (1804) Mission Santa Inés 20. (1817) Mission San Rafael Arcángel 21. (1823) Mission San Francisco Solano

Life in the Mission

The missions created new communities where the Native Americans received religious education and instruction. The Spanish established pueblos (towns) and presidios (forts) for protection.

The natives lived in the missions until their religious training was complete. Then, they would move to homes outside of the missions.

Once the natives converted to Christianity , the missionaries would move on to new locations, and the existing missions served as churches.

The native converts were known as “neophytes.” After they were baptized, they were expected to perform labor. Typically, men worked in the fields, and women cooked. Both learned Spanish and attended church.

Farming was an especially important job in the mission community. Wheat, barley and maize were some of the staple crops that were grown. The Spanish missionaries also brought fruits from Europe, such as apples, peaches and pears.

Other jobs included carpentry, building, weaving and leather-working.

Padres, or religious leaders, oversaw the mission. They were assigned six soldiers to protect them and the mission properties.

Mission Architecture

The mission period greatly influenced architecture in California. Many of the buildings, houses and churches still exist today.

Native Americans used all-natural materials, such as stone, timber, mud brick, adobe and tile to build mission structures. Typically, buildings had large courtyards with tall adobe walls. Missions were built around patios that contained fountains and a garden.

The buildings of this period are sometimes labeled as “mission style” to describe the signature design and craftsmanship.

End of the Mission System

By 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. For several years, there was debate about what to do with the mission system.

In 1833, the Mexican government passed a law that secularized and ended missions. California was part of Mexico during this time.

Some of the mission land and buildings were turned over to the Mexican government. While much of the property was intended to be given back to the natives, private owners ended up with the majority of land.

Later, missions were used as U.S. military bases in the 1846 war with Mexico.

After gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, Americans began to migrate by the masses to California. In 1850, California officially became a state.

Abraham Lincoln granted the Catholic Church ownership of some of the California missions in 1865.

Today, many of the missions are tourist attractions with their own museums.

Impact of the Missions

The California missions, which stretched from San Diego to Sonoma, had a significant impact on the Native Californians.

The mission era influenced culture, religion, architecture, art, language and economy in the region.

But, the missions also impacted California Indian cultures in negative ways. Europeans forced the natives to change their civilization to match the modern world. In the process, local traditions, cultures and customs were lost.

Some critics have charged that the Spanish mission system forced Native Americans into slavery and prostitution, comparing the missions to “concentration camps.”

Additionally, Spanish missionaries brought diseases with them that killed untold thousands of natives.

Prior to the California missions, there were about 300,000 Native Californians. By 1834, scholars believe there were only about 20,000 remaining.

A History of California’s Missions, Los Angeles Times . The California Missions, California Missions Foundation . California Missions: A Journey Along the El Camino Real, California Museum . Spanish Exploration , The Spanish Missions of California . California Missions History – 5 Facts You Need to Understand, Old Mission San Luis Rey. Map of the California Missions, California Missions Resource Center. Easter Sunday protest over Serra planned at Carmel Mission. Monterey Herald .

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