FEAT URED
Cheerleading
is a
SPORT...
Have you ever looked over at the girls with high bows during a basketball game
and wondered why they’re there? Unfortunately, people have. Cheerleaders go
to games and smile through any criticisms thrown their way to cheer on and
support a team that never appreciates them. However, it’s so much more than
just supporting the athletes. Cheer is a sport alone, and it’s harder than it looks.
This is my third year cheering, and I used to play basketball so I can compare it
to what you’re more likely to think of as a sport. I used to think a lot like most
people when it came to cheer. I thought it was just for those girls who didn’t feel
like putting in all the running basketball required. I was wrong. I’m going to try to
convince you that you are too. When you ask Google to define the word sport,
it says, “An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or
team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Sports are defined
by requiring physical activity, teamwork, and competition; cheer meets all qualifi-
cations.
24
November/December 2017