By Ariana Beck
The Spirit Squad is Judson University’s cheerleading and dance team. This sport is traditionally seen at football and basketball games, cheering on the team and performing halftime dances. As cheerleaders, the squad’s job is to encourage their team and bring school spirit.
Cheerleading is a sport that incorporates elements of dance and acrobatics. Today, cheer teams are typically made up of women. Originally, however, cheerleaders were mostly men. In fact, women were not a part of the cheer team until men were called off to World War II. In the 1960s and ’70s, the proportion of female cheerleaders rose to roughly 95%. By then, cheerleading had officially become an extracurricular activity.
I am currently a freshman at Judson University, and I have been on the Spirit Squad for one semester. I have learned so much about dancing, cheerleading, and following the Lord from being on the team. Everyone on the team has been incredibly welcoming, and they are truly amazing role models. Being a part of a team of people who love dancing, the Lord, and working together has been a wonderful experience, and I believe the team brings so much to Judson.
Tom Beinert, Judson’s assistant Spirit Squad Coach, explains that there are many specific things the Squad brings to Judson University. First, Tom says that the Squad brings enthusiasm. This enthusiasm is evident when the team cheers on the game and engages the crowd. Second, Tom mentions teamwork. As you observe the Spirit Squad, you are able to see how we work together to lift up the crowd and deliver a clean performance. Spirit Squad also brings community and requires cooperation. If we lack a strong community, we won’t be able to work well together as a team. Additionally, Tom mentions the importance of the team’s energy. The goal of a cheer team is to encourage both the crowd and the players, and this can only be done if we have energy. No one will feel excited or lifted up if the Squad lacks excitement. Love is also an integral part of Spirit Squad. Through our actions, we demonstrate that we have a passion for dance and cheerleading, and we also love each other. If one member needs anything, the team will always be there for them. Last but not least, Tom mentions spirituality. Focusing on our faith in the Lord is a big part of Spirit Squad, and at each practice, we engage in devotions and prayer requests. It is important to us to become both better cheerleaders and stronger Christ followers. Being surrounded by other girls who have the same passion for cheer/dance and Jesus Christ is truly a blessing.
Coach Bonnie, Coach Tom’s wife, is the Spirit Squad’s founding coach. When I asked Bonnie what this team meant to her, she told me that she had always dreamed of creating a team that existed to be a positive energy and a good example to Judson while bringing fun and excellence to athletic events on campus. She told me that she believes that each person on the team embodies the mission of the Spirit Squad, including our mascot, AJ the eagle.
Coach Christie is our amazing head coach, and she is also Tom and Bonnie’s daughter. Coach Christie is in charge of all the halftime dance and sideline cheers. She teaches us a new dance for every game, and she’s taught us over 50 sideline cheers. When I asked Christie what the team meant to her, she said, “I am in awe of who they are as individuals and the way they work together as teammates. They truly desire to serve Jesus and use their gifts for his glory. They also strive for excellence on the field/court and in their daily lives. It’s an honor for me to lead them and learn from them as I do so.”
Coach Tom, Coach Bonnie, and Coach Christie make Spirit Squad possible, and each of us on the team are beyond thankful for them. Together, we make up the Spirit Squad, and together, we help bring the JU Spirit to Judson University.
Works Cited:
Grindstaff, Laura Anne. “Cheerleading.” Encyclopedia Britannica. www.britannica.com/sports/cheerleading
The Judson Mosaic 