International Cheerleading Foundation

When you think of a cheerleader what do you think of? Could it be that you visualize a cute little blonde with a big smile and a perky attitude? If you do you might be guilty of stereotyping. Cheerleaders are not chosen because they are the prettiest or the perkiest anymore. They are chosen because they have the ability to contribute to a team that needs members who are athletic, rhythimic, and spirited. The days of the perky little cheerleader are long gone, just as the days of the big and dumb linebacker in football have disappeared.

If you asked a cheerleader to describe what it takes to participate in this sport her answer might include the following: dedication, training, stamina, gymnastic ability, voice projection, and rhythm. Cheerleading has progressed dramatically since the days when the cheerleaders stood on the sidelines and yelled for their chosen teams. Those days are long gone.

Cheerleading began in the 1870's when the first pep club was established at Princeton University. Princeton was also the home of the first organised yell team.

It was not until 1920 that women became active in cheerleading. At this time the University of Minnesota cheerleaders began to incorporate gymnastics and tumbling into their cheers. Along with this the first flash-card cheering section began at Oregon State University. It was not until 1950 that college cheerleaders began conducting cheerleading workshops to teach fundamental cheerleading skills. The 1960's introduced the vinyl pompom and the high step routines. 1967 was the year that marked the first annual ranking of the Top Ten College Cheer Squads and the initiation of the Cheerleader All America awards by the International Cheerleading Foundation.

As you can see, there is more to cheerleading than looks and popularity