Cheerleading
From GWUEncyc
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Whistle--Boom--Rah!
G E O R
G E O R
G E O R G E
Wa--shington!
Team! Team! Team!
So went a cheer called Locomotive in 1925. A few years earlier the Cherry Tree wrote of "Reds" McCaslin that he had "all the pep, ginger, and enthusiasm that one needs, with about fifty per cent more thrown in for good measure." By the 1930s "Yea-a-a Buff! Yea-a-a Blue! G.W. come through!" was echoing across Griffith Stadium. A thousand voices filled the autumn air with "Hail to the Buff and Blue." The rooting section, led by the cheerleading squad used colored card displays at Colonial football games.
It was 1941--a banner year--when women were added to the cheerleading squad for the first time. In 1942, Nic Lakas led the squad performing at football and basketball games and bonfire rallies. Also in 1941, a large Great Dane named Smokey became the GW mascot at football games. From the 1950s "George" became the mascot and continues to the present. In December 1966 football was discontinued at the University and basketball became the principal event for the cheerleading squad.
In 1992, GW's cheerleaders placed first in their division at the Universal Cheerleading Association Camp hosted by Rutgers University. Today the GW Cheerleading Squad is made up of 13 men and women who are the epitome of school spirit. John Kelley is in his second year as head coach of the GW squad. Jill Burns is in her second year as GW's assistant coach.
The cheerleaders of GW have always been an integral part of sports and an asset to the campus. At games, at pep rallies and other special occasions the squad has boosted morale and encouraged University spirit. Currently, The George Washington University Spirit Program is designed to involve the students, staff, and faculty in the excitement of campus life. The program comprises the co-ed cheerleading squad, the dance team, and our famous mascots "George" and "Big George."
The GW cheerleading squad cheers at all home Men's and Women's basketball games. They are also given the opportunity to travel and cheer at designated tournaments including the Atlantic 10 conference and NCAA's. The cheerleading squad supports the achievements of all GW athletic teams, and attends various events on campus to show their spirit.
The dance team made their debut in 1998 and has had a terrific impact on the Colonial fans. The team also attends all Men's and Women's home basketball games, and will dance during designated time outs and halftime shows. Performances include a variety of dance styles, with a focus on technical dance skills.
The Cheerleaders, Dancers, and Mascots remain involved in community activities. They are committed to entertaining the Colonial fans and promoting the support of GW athletics. All three squads attend camp during the summer to enhance individual skills and build team unity. The program welcomes everyone to share in the Spirit of GW!
For additional information on GW Spirit (2007) see: [1]
Document Information
Images: 1
Photographic Credit: Cherry Tree photo collections/RG0113
Author or Source:
Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 21, 2006
Prepared by: G. David Anderson, University Archivist and Historian
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