SPORTS

Spirit squad jams

by Melody R. Waller

The "00 Spirit Squad" is trying to bring back the old school excitement to Oberlin College sports.

Several young women, primarily from the class of 2000, who were actively cheering during basketball and football games last year, realized that the College did not have a cheerleading squad. They got together with the assistance of Associate Dean of Students Bill Stackman and Career Advisor Terri Bump to create the team.

"We all used to go to the games and liked to dance. We decided that we wanted to have something that would be permanent," said squad member first-year Ramatoulie Rashid. "Bill Stackman and Terri Bump have been very supportive as far as helping us to get chartered and to assist us financially."

Sophomore Phoenix Singleton said, "We felt that the fan support here at Oberlin wasn't even comparable to that of high school. So we felt the need to show our loyalty."

The team also has many ideas for the future as far as athletic banquets and half-time shows.

"It would be nice if we had more support from students and faculty. We're basically our only support. Even though we are here for the teams, it would be nice for other people to appreciate all the work we put into the squad," said sophomore Sheri Burnett.

"It's been nice to be able to travel with the team. We had to get permission from Don Hunsinger to be able to perform," sophomore Raven Taylor said.

Many of the squad members agree that student support has been good, but it could improve. They believe more faculty and administration should take them seriously because their main purpose is to show spirit for the success of College teams.

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Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 126, Number 15, February 20, 1998

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