Cheer squad seeks varsity designation

This fall has seen the revival of cheerleading at Hopkins. Shortly after arriving on campus, freshmen Courtnie Brown and Tina Kanonuhwa decided to initiate a movement to bring back the Hopkins Cheer Team.

Brown and Kanonuhwa were both members of their varsity cheerleading squads throughout high school and wanted to be able to bring their passion for the sport to college. Once they vocalized this goal, Director of Student Activities Rob Turning put them into contact with junior Tiffany Yang, who had also been striving to make Hopkins Cheer a reality.

The process began in early October with the foundation of a Cheer Club. Following this, the girls began to transition from a club to a varsity sport. This entailed petitioning the entire student body; the girls sat in highly trafficked areas such as the Fresh Food Café and outside residence halls in order to talk to students and obtain the necessary 1,000 signatures required to approach the athletic board and request recognition as a varsity sport. In less than a week they had reached their goal.

Brown expressed her confidence that the majority of Hopkins students are eager to see the return of cheerleading.

“People in general were very supportive,” she said.

Yang agreed, citing several assisting entities that have helped to make the sport a reality at Hopkins.

“On the Student Life side, we have gotten so much support from Dean Boswell, Dean Sanchez, Rob Turning, the SGA Executive Board and so many others,” Yang wrote in an email to The News-Letter.

After obtaining enough signatures, the girls began meeting with members of the athletic board, who they explained have been consistently supportive of their efforts.

“On the athletic side, we’ve had great support from Director of Athletics and Recreation Tom Calder, Senior Associate Director of Athletics Mike Mattia, Assistant Director of Athletics Jon Gregory, our Cheerleading Coach Kimmee Frankenfield and our Assistant Coach Margot O’Meara,” Yang wrote.

Although it will take some time before they are officially considered a varsity sport, the group is no longer considered just a club; the squad must display its success and prove its dedication and commitment over the coming months in order to receive a varsity title.

“The process has been long and hard, but we are continuing to progress at a very fast pace, and I love the momentum and direction the Hopkins Cheer Team is going in,” Yang wrote.

In 2011, several girls attempted to start up a Cheer Team at Hopkins; their efforts, however, ultimately ended up failing. Yet this year’s group remains positive.

“Knowing what worked and what didn’t from the last time it failed really helps build the infrastructure of the team. There are so many of us on the Cheer Team that are well-connected to the school, and we have so much support from athletics and student life,” Yang wrote.

Frankenfield, who works for the University in its Undergraduate Admissions Office, joined the girls at tryouts as an impartial and unbiased judge. She decided soon after to stay on permanently as their head coach.

Tryouts were held last weekend, and over 30 girls showed up. At the end of the day, they left with a squad comprised of 12 girls. The organizers were pleased with the turnout, and they expect an even larger crowd next year.

Although they are open to becoming a coed team, the team currently consists of women alone. Captains have not been elected nor regular practice times established as of yet, but the team is quickly getting itself organized so that it can proceed with its plans for the rest of the school year.

The girls have cheered at the last two home football games and plan to cheer at future basketball and lacrosse games.

“It has been a great few weeks getting out and cheering for our Hopkins athletic teams. As you may know, the Hopkins football team just won their game last week to clench the Centennial Conference Champion Title, and we were so excited to be out there supporting our own Blue Jays,” Yang wrote.

Brown and Kanonuhwa were also enthusiastic about their experience with the football community. They were very grateful for the encouragement they received from both the players and the parents.

“They’re all so nice and supportive of us,” Kanonuhwa said.

In addition to their efforts on the field, the girls have designed banners for the breezeway and made appearances at tailgates. They also hope to organize future pep rallies.

“One [pep rally] was attempted during orientation week, and we feel that if cheerleaders had been there, it would have been even better,” Kanonuhwa said.

Overall, Hopkins Cheer seems to be moving full steam ahead. Just shy of seeing their dream turn into a reality, the girls remain motivated and enthusiastic.

“It’s so weird that it’s actually happening! We’re very happy with the progress,” Kanonuhwa said.