Cheering
By Kelly S. Croslis

Ask 50 people what they think a sport is, what do you think the criteria is for an activity to be called a sport, and you will have 50 different answers. You know the obvious ones, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, etc., but what about the lesser known "sports" more specifically cheerleading?

Think back to 50 years ago, what picture do you get of cheerleaders, girls in long skirts, sweaters, shaking pom-poms leading the crowd at the football game. If you could do a cartwheel you were good. Fast forward to 2009 and cheerleading is a whole new 'ball game.'

Cheerleaders are top athletes and talented gymnasts. From August to March it is day after day of practice, lifting, conditioning, and gymnastics. Weightlifting helps them stay in shape and strengthen their arms and legs. Being the 'base' for a stunt requires upper body strength in order to support another cheerleader. Leg strength is important, obviously, in gymnastics and the ability to move with ease and precision. In addition, conditioning, helps with stamina, while many routines may only last a little over 2 minutes, the energy and physical exertion is tiring. Teams now hire trainers to help the girls, along with choreographers; and include music as an important piece of equipment.

For many, people see cheerleaders are seen as sex symbols, when in reality these girls and often times guys (usually in college) smart, talented kids who enjoy the physical aspect of cheering, the gymnastics and friendships that are formed. After all, for those who spend most of their time in the air, with girls holding them up, you have to be able to trust them.

Overall, like any other sport cheering requires team work, dedication, training and fun. Next time you are at a football game or other sporting event where cheerleaders are present take a good look at what they are doing, what has been put into the routine they perform and what it would take to do the stunts they perform.

It's not as easy as it looks.

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