The changing landscape of cheerleading

In times of triumph or defeat, cheerleaders are always behind their athletes, ready to chant and cheer to boost their morale. And now as they cheer their way into becoming an official sports event in the Philippines, the tables have turned. They are no longer content with being at the back.

Cheerleading was conceived in the 1880s at Princeton University in the United States. At that time, University Leagues were very intense, and clashes between players and fans of opposing teams could get disorderly and offensive. To avoid this and to distinguish themselves from other competing universities, Princeton University students crafted their university cheer in 1884. Cheers such as “Rah, Rah, Ray! Tiger, Tiger, Sis, Sis, Sis! Boom, Boom, Boom! Aaaaah! Princeton, Princeton, Princeton!” were delivered by the crowd whenever their school competed with other teams.

Soon, other school teams identified themselves with cheering teams and support groups. Thomas Peebles, an alumnus of Princeton University, brought organized cheerleading to the University of Minnesota. Positive chants and inspiring yells echoed in the stadium to boost the morale of players having bad games. He also introduced the concept of “pep clubs” and “yell leaders” to the school.

In 1898, Johnny Campbell, with the support of the University of Minnesota paper, leapt from the crowd and yelled through the microphone leading the crowd in cheering the university fight song: “Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-U-Mah! Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Minn-e-so-tah!” He was one of the first yell leaders in the history of organized cheerleading.

With the success of Campbell and his colleagues from the University of Minnesota, organized cheerleading continued to grow in the University Leagues. University of Minnesota created an all-male cheering squad in 1903 and the first cheerleading fraternity in history, Gamma Sigma.

In its early years, cheerleading was dominated by males, since deep and loud voices were a requirement. It was not until the 1923 that females were allowed entry to cheerleading groups. At the same time the event began incorporating gymnastics, throws and pyramids — key elements of cheerleading as we know it today.

When World War II broke out, most of the men left the country, leaving women to assume the lead in cheerleading. Today, 70 to 90 percent of the athletes in cheerleading are female.

Cheerdance in the Philippines

In the Philippines, cheerleading is also popular. Like its international counterpart, it plays an important role in universities and colleges’ support for their teams. The University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) both host cheerleading competitions, along with other popular sports and events. In fact, this event is the most anticipated event in the two leagues, competing with the popularity of basketball and volleyball events.

The most celebrated rivalry in the local cheerleading arena is between the University of the Philippines Pep Squad and the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe. With various championships under their belts, these teams are the most applauded and anticipated in cheerleading competitions.

The UP Pep Squad's advantage is their uniqueness and creativity. UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe counters using athleticism and aerial stunts.

Their rivalry began in 1999 after UST tried staging a comeback in the aftermath of their joining the first-ever Lipton Cheering Competition. UST surprised the league with its innovative stunts and routine, but fell short of the championship, which instead went to UP.

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe currently has the greatest number of wins with eight championships. UP Pep squad holds six championships.

As an emerging event in the country, cheerleading is governed by organizations and institutions. The Philippine Cheer Alliance (PCA) is the official arm of the International Cheer Union (ICU) in the country. It was recognized by the international organization last November 7, 2009. Their goal is to promote cheerleading as a sport in the country by conducting cheer camps and competitions.

Alongside them is the National Cheerleading Championships (NCC), which is considered to be the first cheerleading organization in the country. One of the flagship activities conducted by the NCC is its nationwide cheerleading competition. Usually held in October, the competition aims to craft an internationally competitive cheerleading program and at the same time spot individual talents who can be part of the national team. They also spearhead cheering camps and the training of the national pool of cheerleaders.

The Philippines has also competed outside the country. Dubbed “Team Pilipinas Cheer” with members mostly from the Central Colleges of the Philippines, the Philippines reaped victories in the 2010 World Cup Cheer and Dance held in Brisbane, Australia. They were crowned overall champions besting other teams from Japan, Asia Pacific, and other parts of the world.

Cheerleading has a long way to go before it becomes an official sporting event. But given the achievement and reception from the crowd, the landscape of cheerleading is indeed changing. Cheerdancers are not content being the accessory group — they are setting out to excite and thrill. More than the spectacle they provide, what they leave us with is a sense of unity and pride.

Images taken from John Alex Reyroso1 and paul romero on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites