Bows and Pom-Poms!

             Thomas Peebles introduced cheerleading in the 1880's. However, Jonny Campbell was the first cheerleader. He directed a crowd to cheer on November 2, 1898. At first cheerleading was a male only sport, but due to limit of the female collegiate sports soon they participated in cheer to. Around this time gymnastics, tumbling, and megaphones were a big part of cheers also. Today an estimated 97% of cheerleaders are female, but males still make up 50% of cheerleaders in the collegiate level. 

When asked how they like cheer so far,   Anna Grace Johnson said "Cheer is a very good experience, one good thing is we get to learn from every practice." Caitlin Finch agreed with Anna Grace and said "Cheer is a good experience and I am glad to be a part of it". Emily Taylor also said, "I've learned a lot of new stuff that I never thought about learning before. Cheer is very fun and I am glad to be doing it." 

The cheerleaders were also asked if they thought their practice was hard. The same three answered that question. Anna Grace Johnson said "Cheer Practice is tough because we are learning new stunts and stuff. We are also, learning how strong we really are and how to work together." Emily Taylor said "Yes cheer is hard but I am glad I am doing it. Caitlin Finch was also asked that question and agreed with the others, she said, "It is tough at first but, in the end it will all be worth it."

Mrs. Rebecca Hunt is the GSMS cheer coach.  When asked, "What are the cheer teams plans for the year?" and she said, "The GSMS cheerleaders goal is to promote school spirit among our athletics, students, and faculty. We will be cheering at all football games, a few home volleyball games, and all home basketball games. We will also cheer for any sport that makes it to the playoffs." When asked if the squad won any awards during their summer competitions?" Mrs. Hunt said "Yes, We won the sportsmanship award at the Beach Club UCA Cheer Camp in May 2009". She was also asked, "What the teams plans were for our school pep rallies?" and she said, "Our plans are to have as much fun as possible!!!!"

The students on the Gulf Shores Middle School (GSMS) cheer team for 2009 through 2010 are Caroline White (captain), Rhiannon Mims (co-captain), Lauren Bowden, Molly Peninger, Anna Grace Johnson, Lauren McDonald, Morgan Lindsey, Kylee Koch, Audrey Brown, Emily Taylor, Caitlin Finch, and Chelsea Lee.

By: Savannah Wilkinson

Caitlin Finch and Emily Taylor
GSMS cheerleaders
Photo By: Sunny Bill