Cheer!: Three Teams on a Quest for College Cheerleading's Ultimate Prize
Author:
Genres: Sports & Outdoors, Nonfiction
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Sports & Outdoors, Nonfiction
Book Type: Paperback
Kate Torgovnick follows three different college cheer squads through a year of training, cheering and competition two co-ed squads one former championship team and one from an all-Black school and an all-girls cheer squad.
After a background of the history of cheerleading in the United States, Torgovnick introduces us to the men and women that she will be following for her story.
All of the cheerleaders are devoted athletes despite what many think. They work out both aerobically and with weights on a regular basis. The do high-energy gymnastics and dance routines and build high and dangerous pyramids during 3-4 minutes musical routines. In addition to devoting time to train for cheerleading competitions, they regularly cheer at athletic events for athletes who dont consider what they do a sport. (Its not a recognized sport at any college at the time the book was written.)
Torgovnick does a great job of making you root for each of the teams. As I read the story of each time, I realized the dedication and love for the sport that each team member must have to continue on with the sport. At one point, one of the girls is injured, but the injury isnt recognized for its severity right away and has near-tragic results for her. I found myself incredulous and furious that her coach, a former cheerleader herself, didnt recognize the potential problem quickly enough.
A very intriguing book and great inside look into the world of cheerleading.
After a background of the history of cheerleading in the United States, Torgovnick introduces us to the men and women that she will be following for her story.
All of the cheerleaders are devoted athletes despite what many think. They work out both aerobically and with weights on a regular basis. The do high-energy gymnastics and dance routines and build high and dangerous pyramids during 3-4 minutes musical routines. In addition to devoting time to train for cheerleading competitions, they regularly cheer at athletic events for athletes who dont consider what they do a sport. (Its not a recognized sport at any college at the time the book was written.)
Torgovnick does a great job of making you root for each of the teams. As I read the story of each time, I realized the dedication and love for the sport that each team member must have to continue on with the sport. At one point, one of the girls is injured, but the injury isnt recognized for its severity right away and has near-tragic results for her. I found myself incredulous and furious that her coach, a former cheerleader herself, didnt recognize the potential problem quickly enough.
A very intriguing book and great inside look into the world of cheerleading.
