A Big Step Backwards for Cheerleading
It seems that the University of Connecticut has changed its mind about cheerleading.
As reported in the Hartford Courant, U Conn has decided to replace its traditional cheerleaders with a “spirit squad” whose job will be to be “ambassadors” for the school. Of course any school-based cheerleader is an ambassador but at U Conn, they will no longer be skilled athletes. As a matter of fact, no cheerleading or gymnastics experience is required. At all.
University officials claim this change is a positive one that will allow the spirit team to iengage fans in a more interactive way.
“We wanted to take the program in a slightly different direction,” said John R. Saddlemire, vice president for Student Affairs. “In particular, our desire is to have the cheerleaders place more of their focus on promoting Husky spirit and that the long hours of practicing and performing stunting took away from that focus. By changing the style, and no longer requiring gymnastics experience of those trying out, the university is able to offer the opportunity to participate in UConn cheerleading to a much broader pool of interested students.”
Some wonder if U Conn’s decision is based on concerns over the liabilities associated with cheerleading however the school has yet to revamp its football team (a sport that is certainly more dangerous).
Tags: cheerleaders, Cheerleading, u conn, university of connecticut
September 30th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
This Spirit Squad concept has its merits, but I have to agree that there are far greater risks in football and other sports than in cheerleading.
I would consider the practice conducive to teamwork and better health of the participants, while performing would tend to encourage performance and higher morale in the student body. We’ll have to see how this pans out, but I personally think this is a less than ideal path to take.