Molly Gibbs is a freshman journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about politics and the environment for The Maneater.
Cheerleaders at MU dedicate time and energy to supporting fellow athletes, hyping up crowds and competing on a national level, but the university doesn’t adequately support them. A lack of resources, scholarships and equal consideration hinders cheerleaders’ ability to perform at a high level while balancing academics and other obligations.
Jalyn Vangundy is a sophomore at MU and a member of the coed cheer team. Vangundy said she loves MU and the team; however, she is aware of the issues with the cheer program. She worries that other students are unaware of the problem and just how little resources they get.
Financial resources are the main cause for concern in the cheer program. Due to the classification of cheer as a “spirit squad” and not a sport, members of the team are not eligible for athletic scholarships, instead receiving a small stipend for participating. The problem does not come from the distinction between cheer and other sports, but from the fact there are no cheer-specific scholarships available.
In past years, the stipend was $250 per semester for every cheerleader. Vangundy said the new director of athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois, has helped raise the stipend. According to Vangundy, the stipend now increases by class: Freshmen receive $500 for the year, sophomores get $750, and upperclassmen receive similar boosts. That still leaves a large sum of money each cheerleader must pay, but Vandgundy says, “We’re just thankful it’s even more than $250!” However, the stipend pales in comparison to scholarships available to other athletes on campus which is unacceptable considering the amount of work cheerleaders do.
Vangundy came to MU with about 12 years of experience as a sideline cheerleader. Brett Pascoe, a freshman on the coed team, came with four years of competitive experience. Now, they practice about eight and a half hours per week in addition to multiple required appearances and games. Training time will increase during the second semester to prepare for the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals.
While other sports receive entire facilities, cheer has a subpar practice space, which consists of just a mat in the back corner of the Hearnes Center, and lack of time during practice, many cheerleaders go to an unaffiliated gym in Columbia to keep up with their tumbling skills. According to Pascoe cheerleaders who go pay $10 to use the space each time.
Weight training sessions are held at the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. However, unlike other athletes, cheerleaders cannot enjoy breakfast at the MATC after their workout as they are barred from accessing the cafeteria inside the complex.
According to MU, all athletes have access to the “Sports Nutrition Oasis,” which provides “NCAA-compliant pre- and post-workout nutrition and hydration,” and the Sells Family Dining Hall. These dining options are created with athletes in mind, offering foods high in protein and low in fat. Cheerleaders need the same fuel as any other athlete. Pascoe expresses frustration that “other [athletes] get dining at the MATC so they have access to better food options,” while cheerleaders are left out. Complimentary meals would help lessen the financial burden on individual cheerleaders by eliminating the need for a dining plan or regular trips to the grocery store.
Moreover, there are changes that can be made without any money being spent by the university or Athletic Department. Pascoe said he has seen his teammates drop classes, including major requirements, because they conflicted with cheer practice. Access to early class registration would allow cheerleaders to plan around their training schedule and avoid compromising their studies. This is a free service MU could offer cheerleaders to better support them.
MU students see the cheerleaders at football, basketball, volleyball and various other events; they do not see the years of experience, early morning and late night practices, crammed schedule and financial sacrifice behind each chant and stunt.
With a new athletic director, steps are being taken to improve treatment of the cheerleaders. Pascoe said, “Cheer is definitely in a better place than it has been years prior.” But improvements shouldn’t stop now. The only thing truly separating MU cheerleaders from other MU athletes is a name: sport versus spirit squad. Vangundy is acutely aware: “You can’t convince everyone that cheer is a sport” — and you do not need to. A particular name is not necessary; access to resources is.
Edited by Ezra Bitterman | ebitterman@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Mary Philip and Jacob Richey