By Monique Demarais
You may have seen a few new male faces on the cheerleading squad this year and wondered where they came from. Since the start of RSU cheerleading in 2007, the cheerleading squad has improved each year and seen numerous changes.
This year there are four male cheerleaders on the squad. They are John Parker, Titus Massey, Chase Turner, and Craig Gilmore.
In the fall of 2009 Garrett Iron and John Parker became the first male cheerleaders to join the squad. Through the past couple years there were about three male cheerleaders who came and went, but now there are currently four; three of which will hopefully be returning next year.
“I think having guys really adds a lot to the cheerleading squad,” John Parker said in an interview. “It is much easier and safer to do stunts with guys as the base and it allows the squad to do more complicated stunts.”
In the past the squad has competed in National Cheer Association (NCA) competitions and won numerous awards. In 2008 they were the “Game Day” Routine Winners; in 2009 they placed second in the All-Girl Division, were the “Spirit Routine” winners and won “Most Spirited.”
Though the squad did not compete this year there are plans for them to compete again.
The squad practices at least three times a week and cheers for basketball games. Cheer practices involve routines, tumbling, and stunts.
Tryouts for next year’s cheerleading squad will be on April 16, 2011. There will be a tryout clinic from April 14 through 16. Those trying out must be able to do a standing back handspring.