General News: Cheerleaders Welcome Male to Varsity Squad
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| David Ransbottom and coach Betty Bennett. |
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| The squad, with David in rear, practice a cheer. |
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August 20, 2010
Cornwall varsity cheerleading practice got underway this week and as the team began its conditioning, one face stood out in the crowd. David Ransbottom, a 6-foot tall senior, is the first male in 14 years to make it onto the cheerleading squad and, for now, he is relishing his role.
“It’s been pretty fun,” David said on Thursday shortly before practice. “The other cheers are great. They are trying to include me and are very nice.”
Cheerleading captain Allie Biasotti said she welcomes David, noting that “no one has been brave enough before to join.”
Coach Betty Bennett said that it is not unusual for males to join cheerleading squads, especially in college. She recalled that the Cornwall varsity squad had two males on in 1996 and thinks that Ransbottom will be great raising the spirit at the games.
David said that his size and strength will come in handy when the cheerleaders perform stunts on the sidelines, like pyramids. He says the workouts are physically tougher than he thought they would be, noting the amount of precision involved.
While he acknowledges that he may get some teasing from other students for being a cheerleader, David says it won’t be a big deal for him. He is used to being on stage in chours and in the drama club (see him this weekend at the Bethlehem Music Festival in Me and My Girl) and has been in the wrestling club. His long-term plans include pursuing a career as a pediatrician, but for now he is happy on the cheerleading squad.
Comments:
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No guys will be teasing him after they realize he'll be surrounded by cheerleaders all the time. Pure genius, if you ask me. Good luck David.
posted by J Klein on 08/20/10 at 6:52 AM
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I salute you.
posted by Jonathan Beckenstein on 08/20/10 at 9:20 AM
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