The Spirit of Westwood: A History of UCLA Cheerleading
The UCLA Spirit Squad, encompassing cheerleaders and dance team members, plays a vital role in fostering school spirit and tradition at the University of California, Los Angeles. From the iconic "Frisbee Cheer" to the modern dance routines, the program has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changing trends and student engagement.
Early Spirit Efforts
In the early days of collegiate sports, instilling school spirit was a challenge. The University of Minnesota faced this issue in 1898 after a disappointing football season. In response, the university appointed six male "yell leaders," including Johnny Campbell, to lead cheers and energize the crowd at home games. This marked the inception of organized cheerleading.
By 1923, women began participating in cheerleading. Tumbling and acrobatic routines were gradually incorporated into performances. Despite this growth, cheerleading remained predominantly male until World War II, when women filled the ranks due to the absence of college-aged men serving overseas.
The Rise of Modern Cheerleading
The post-World War II era saw a surge in cheerleading's popularity. In 1948, Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer, a former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University, established the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA). The NCA provided a platform for cheerleaders to compete and offered standardized cheer uniforms.
The introduction of vinyl or plastic pom-poms in 1965 by Fred Gastoff further modernized the sport. These durable and visually appealing pom-poms became a staple for cheerleaders.
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UCLA Cheerleading: A Tradition of Spirit
UCLA has a long-standing tradition of spirited cheerleading. By the 1970s, the UCLA Bruins cheerleaders were a familiar sight at games, energizing fans with their pom-poms and routines at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The "Frisbee Cheer" Era
One of the most iconic moments in UCLA cheerleading history is the creation and popularization of the "Frisbee Cheer" by Larry "Frisbee" Davis. As a UCLA undergraduate majoring in biochemistry, Davis noticed a decline in attendance at basketball games following coach John Wooden's retirement in 1975. Inspired by a similar cheer performed by Pepperdine water polo players, Davis developed his own routine.
Davis's cheer debuted during the 1976-77 season. Starting with a small group of classmates, it quickly spread throughout the student section. Davis was granted access to the court, enabling him to engage the entire crowd. He even copyrighted the cheer to protect its originality.
The "Frisbee Cheer" became a sensation, with Davis leading the chant at basketball, football, and baseball games. He incorporated props and humor into his routines, such as wheeling a 5-foot-tall oil derrick into Pauley Pavilion for a game against USC.
The cheer typically involved Davis asking a series of questions, such as:
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- Is this a basketball?
- Is that the court?
- Is that the loooooosing team?
Davis's energetic delivery and improvisational skills made the cheer a beloved tradition. He recalled a memorable moment when he sprinted up to coach Larry Brown during his debut in 1979 and performed an ad-libbed routine:
- Is this Larry Brown?
- Is he our new coach?
- Does he have charisma?
Evolution and Challenges
Over time, Davis felt that the school placed increasing restrictions on his routine. He eventually stopped performing the cheer regularly around the time the Den, UCLA's student athletics organization, was formed in 2003. The Den designated a different student to perform the cheer at each game.
Davis expressed disappointment with the way the cheer was being performed in recent years, feeling it had become a sterile and choreographed version of its former self. He lamented the lack of spontaneity and engagement with the crowd that characterized his original routine.
Despite his concerns, the "Frisbee Cheer" remains a cherished part of UCLA's athletic culture. A video of an impromptu performance at the 2006 national championship game against Florida can be found on YouTube, and players still enjoy hearing it before games.
In 2011, Davis had the opportunity to lead the cheer one last time when his son was a UCLA junior. He received permission to perform the routine, creating a memorable experience for his son and rekindling the spirit of the "Frisbee Cheer."
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Modern UCLA Spirit Squad
Today, the UCLA Spirit Squad is directed by Angela, who cultivates campus partnerships, promotes student leadership, and manages performances at athletic and campus events. The squad comprises talented cheerleaders and dancers who represent the university with pride and skill.
Many UCLA Spirit Squad members have gone on to pursue professional careers in cheerleading and dance. Several recent graduates are currently performing for professional teams in the NFL and NBA.
The UCLA Dance Team
The UCLA Dance Team plays a crucial role in enhancing the game-day experience. Dancers undergo rigorous training and develop skills in various dance styles.
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