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CHEERLEADING
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HISTORY |
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Although there may have been an informal group acting as cheerleaders, records indicate that organized cheerleading began
during the 1937-38 school year. The group originally started with 6 co-ed members; however, in the 40's the group was mostly
male. There are currently 18 members on the Co-ed cheerleading squad and 15 members of the All Girl cheerleading squad.
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| Selection Process |
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Since the beginning of organized cheerleading, tryouts have been a big ordeal. Originally tryouts were based on the participant's
ability, personality, and crowd appeal. All of those selected were to receive acrobatic instruction. The judging panel consisted
of University faculty coaches and coaches wives. Later, cheerleaders were allowed to name their successors. In 1953, the system
was changed to student voting. Cheerleaders tried out in front students at a pep rally. Each participant was given a number
and students voted on the individuals they thought had the most talent. This was not effective and they returned to University
represented panel judging.
The structure of tryouts has changed over time. There are still cheerleading clinics, however; the clinics now act as the
actual tryout and a panel of judges observes applicants throughout the entire clinic. The judges are all qualified in the
stunting, tumbling and cheerleading areas and cuts are made throughout the clinic until the squad is selected for the following
year.
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| Cheerleading Hi-Lights |
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There have been many hi-lights in the history of BGSU Cheerleading. The cheerleaders have had the opportunity to travel all
over the US. They traveled to the California Raison Bowl, the 2003 Motor City Bowl, and the 2004 GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
The cheerleaders have also supported the Falcons in Florida, Philadelphia, and the 2007 Women's NCAA Sweet 16 tournament in
NC,
They have also received national recognition. In 1971 the cheerleaders received recognition in Sports Illustrated for being
one of the first squads to have a squad for hockey. The squad was one of the only ones to perform on the sidelines as well
as on ice. They again appeared in Sports Illustrated in Dec. of 1991 for an article entitled " The Pom Pom Chronicle."
The BGSU cheerleaders have also competed nationally. In 2005 and 2006 the squad competed at NCA Nationals finishing among
the top 12 schools in Division IA. In 2007 the cheerleaders were named Ameri-Cheer Open Nationals Champions
The BGSU Cheerleaders currently cheer for all men's and women's basketball games and football games as well as making appearances
at many other campus functions. Stunting and gymnastics play a major role in today's cheerleading program. However, the focus
is still on working with the band to promote crowd support and school spirit!
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