By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Two-four-six-eight, Bobcat cheerleaders show they appreciate girl athletes too.
For the first time at Bowling Green City Schools, the middle school cheerleaders recently chanted on the sidelines for the seventh and eighth grade girls basketball teams.
After only cheering for boys games in the past – cheering for girls seemed natural. The cheerleaders had planned to root for their female classmates a couple weeks ago – but got snowed out.
“When the first game was canceled, everyone was pretty bummed,” said cheerleader Audrey Nester. So that made last week’s game even sweeter. “I feel like everyone was excited. We’re like friends with them.”
Fellow cheerleader Emma Ferguson agreed.
“Sometimes the girls say they never have as much of an audience,” Emma said. “They were really excited.”
Even though the stands weren’t full – (remember this is seventh and eighth grade basketball) – the gym was loud with chanting and cheering.
“It’s a different atmosphere,” Emma said. “It’s a ‘we support each other’ atmosphere.”
Melanie Ferguson, Emma’s mom and a middle school teacher, said the tradition has always been for cheerleaders to root for the boys teams.
“That’s just been the thing,” Ferguson said. “But slowly, some schools are changing.”
Some of the girls basketball players were actually unsure about the added pressure this might bring. “Some were nervous. It will be loud,” they told Ferguson.
In preparation for the game, the girls basketball team made goodie bags for the cheerleaders, and the cheerleaders made cookies for the team, she said.
“We love supporting all the sports,” said Jordan Betz, the cheerleading coach.
“Our girls love to cheer,” and cheering is their sport, Betz said. “This is our chance to show them we are athletes, too.”
Basketball player Audrey Geyman said the presence of the cheerleaders made the team feel good.
“It’s like pretty amazing to have them here, and not just for the boys. They care,” Audrey said.
As he stood on the sidelines cheering on the girls basketball team, Middle School Principal Eric Radabaugh said he is supportive of the effort.
“This is awesome. They are really excited – and the players are just as excited,” Radabaugh said.
Logistically it may be difficult to continuing cheering for the girls as well as the boys teams, Ferguson said.
“Personally, I think it would be awesome for them to share the spirit,” she said.
