When cheerleading was introduced in the mid 1800’s it was an all male sport composed of gymnasts who excelled in stunting. The reputation of having been a valiant “cheer-leader” was one of the most valuable things a boy could take away from college. Three U.S. Presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan were all cheerleaders.
While history reflects male cheerleading as a macho man’s game, there are a lot of misconceptions and skewed stereotypes on it today.
Movies like “Bring It On!” and “Fired Up!” portray male cheerleading as nothing more than flamboyant guys copping a feel on airhead girls.
It’s time to say goodbye to the typical male cheerleader and hello to the University of Florida’s hardworking, enthusiastic cheer squad composed of both males and females.
Two UF cheerleaders Clayton Boettcher and Max Barry gave me the scoop about life in the Swamp, holding up firm bodies on sweaty game days and sacrificing their own free time to make the Gator Nation all that it is today.
Clayton, who is now captain of the Gator cheer team, recalls the time he decided to start cheering, which, oddly enough, was due to a lost bet during his senior year in high school. Sure, his friends would poke fun at the thought of him as a cheerleader, but Clayton remembers it fondly.
“I was the one hanging out with all the cute girls!” said Clayton.
Max, on the other hand, went out on a whim and tried out his freshman year of college. He knew the sport required both males and females to ensure a stable, strong and powerful squad.
Most of us spend our Saturday mornings getting ready for the game with friends and family and there are always a few weekends we can’t be there in the stadium to cheer on our Gators. That’s why we can always count on Max and Clayton to be there for the team. Their game day routine consists of showing up to the stadium about three hours beforehand to set up equipment and attend various pregame appearances including Gator Walk, Alumni Hall and many booster tailgates.
Clayton and Max mentioned that although movies and media portray cheerleading in a way that glorifies dumb, pretty people, it undermines the reality of how much hard work and athleticism is required. Competitions include flexibility, heavy lifting and stunts that take weeks of practice to get right.
“I’m not the kind of person to care about stereotypes,” said Max. “I like what I do, so I do it.”
The only question that remains: Do Max and Clayton consider cheerleading a sport?
Both claim that cheer competitions are some of the most demanding and difficult events they participate in, however, Max doesn’t think sideline cheering should be considered a sport on the grounds that it doesn’t portray how strenuous the stunts and tricks are.
Although it’s clear that the cheer team spends their time rooting for the Gators, their friendship is not just bound by team appearances. Clayton and Max described their team relationship is like a family. They make time for one another and many of their closest friends are those on the cheer squad.
They know more about life behind the scenes of UF spirit than anyone else on campus and they know how to make the Gator Nation bleed orange and blue.
Gender aside, that’s something worth cheering for.
