Minnesota Cheerleading

           History has a common theme of refusing to accept changes being made throughout the world, and oftentime, people display a sense of stubbornness pushing for things to stay the same. In cheerleading, this is creating a major issue, where older generations have a stuck image in their heads about how the sport was when they were young. The fact of the matter is: cheerleading has developed tremendously in these past two decades alone! It is important that we open our eyes to the positive growth in cheerleading and accept the sport as physically demanding. If cheerleading becomes recognized as a lawful sport, it will create a safer environment for the athletes, and provide opportunity to so many cheerleaders entering college. 

Background: The University of Minnesota was the first college to have sideline cheerleaders at football games. The head coach, Thomas Peebles brought the school spirit to the University after graduating from and cheerleading at Princeton University (Alumni). Johnny Campbell, a University of Minnesota student, was the first cheerleader to lead the crowd in a chant in 1898 at a football game verses Northwestern. Minnesota won 17-6 and credits Johnny for their victory (University).

Pictured above: Minnesota Rooter Kings (Alumni).