Special Interest Speech Cheerleading

Special Interest Speech: Cheerleading I. Introduction A. Attention Getter: Did you know four U.S. presidents were once cheerleaders? It’s true, can you guess who they were? B. Thesis: Cheerleading is a part of my life that I could never forget. It has become a part of my identity. C. Preview: Today, I brought in a pair of my high school pom-poms. I will explain why these poms mean so much to me and hold a very special place in my heart. But, before I get started on that, let me give you the backstory of cheerleading. II. Body A. Main Point 1: History of Cheerleading 1. During the 1860's, students in Great Britain began cheering routines (Sis Boom Rah!) at competitive sporting events and soon the idea spread to the United States. (Bellis) a) Cheerleading roots are closely tied to American footballs. The first intercollegiate game was played in 1869, between Princeton University and Rutgers University in New Jersey. (Varsity) b) The first cheerleaders in the U.S. were organized by Princeton Pep club member Thomas Peebler. Six cheerleaders performed at a Princeton University vs University of Minnesota American football game on November 2, 1898. The head cheerleader was Johnny Campbell and all six of the cheerleaders were men. (Bellis) c) It wasn’t until 1923 that women were allowed to cheer for the first time, at the University of Minnesota. d) Although women were joining teams in the ‘20s, it wasn’t until the ‘40s that they joined in large numbers, since so many college-aged men went off to fight in World War II. (Varsity) e) In the year 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted cheerleading “provisional Olympic status”. f) The four presidents were George W. Bush who was head cheerleader for Phillips Academy. Ronald Reagan, was a cheerleader at Eureka College. Dwight D. Eisenhower cheered at West Point Academy. And finally, Franklin D. Roosevelt cheered at Harvard in the early part of the 20th century. (Cellania, 2011) 1. Objective of Cheerleading a) There are two objectives of cheerleading. One is to raise school spirit and to support the team. b) The second objective, gives the opportunity to (boys and girls) to be competitive, build skill, and strength. B. Main Point 2: Pom-Poms 1. History of Pom-Poms a) In the 1930s, pom poms were used by high schools and universities as a decorative accessory for cheerleaders to improve showmanship. (Jessica,2012) b) The first usable pom pom's creation was credited to Jim Hazlewood, who created them using crepe, or tissue, paper. However, paper poms were thin and delicate so they fell apart easily when shaken vigorously, which caused a problem since poms were a major part of raising spirit and gaining the crowd's attention. (Jessica,2012) c) In addition, paper poms were not usable during weather conditions such as rain or snow. Cheerleaders were out on the field to support their team in any weather condition- rain or shine.( Jessica,2012) 2. Alterations to the Pom-Poms a) Lawrence Herkimer began manufacturing modern pom poms after he founded his cheerleading supply company in 1953. Herkimer holds a patent to the pom pom since he developed the pom with a hidden handle.(Jessica,2012) b) In 1965, Fred Gastoff improved upon Hazlewood and Herkimer's creation and invented the first pom pom made using vinyl, or plastic, streamers. This made poms more durable and resistant to wet weather. (Jessica,2012) c) Ever since the mid-1960s, plastic poms have been the standard for cheerleaders to use in their performances allowing poms to become synonymous to the image of cheerleading. (Jessica,2012) C. Main Point 3: Culture of Cheerleading and Impact 1. Life skills a) Taught me the development of athletic skills, leadership, and teamwork. Will help me be a vital member of the community in the future b) It has made me a confident person. Who can always be the first to take initiative and lead in whatever project or group work. It has taught me to care and motivate others in their low points and help them get back up. It does not matter how you started, it matters how you finished. Which is something I learned from cheer. Is to never let my mistakes get the best of me. 2. Life Style a) I was always athletic all my life. But believe it or not during competition season is the toughest. I’d be more physically fatigued and exhausted in cheer practice than an intense track workout. I have learned a lot about my body limits as well as keeping a strong mental focus. b) I have gotten used to wearing athletic gear. My everyday look would be in workout clothes with running shoes. My closet has way more fitness clothes than anything else. I’m constantly going to the gym. Or running errands everywhere. c) I also love to get fully ready from my hair to accessories. Which is sort of connected from when I would get ready for games or competitions when I wear my uniform and doing my hair with my bow and don’t forget the makeup. III. Conclusion A. Cheerleading is a sport both male and female can be on the same team and compete together. It is a sport anyone can join at any age. B. Today, I talked about my Pom-Poms, what role it plays in the culture of Cheerleading, and how Cheerleading has impacted my identity. C. I have given you a little history about cheerleading, I hope it has taught you all the origins and its time of existence of the sport. I hope you all enjoyed my artifact, and see how much it means to me. Cheerleading has been a big part of my life, it has shaped me to be who I am today. It has taught me development of athletic skills, leadership, and teamwork. Not only that but to have great sportsmanship.