The Collegian

Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy of Ashlee LeCompte Freshman Chloe Chapel practices a flip during one of the cheer squad's unofficial practices. They are still waiting for official approval.

The 1998 cheerleaders pose with coach Alesia Aumock. There has not been a cheer squad since 2001, and now two freshmen are hoping to up school spirit by starting the squad again.

Freshman Chloe Chapel almost never enrolled at Hillsdale College. A cheerleader for 10 years - and counting - the lack of an established spirit squad convinced her the University of Arizona presented a better choice. Though that idea did not pan out, Chapel is hoping another will. Alongside close friend and frequent competitor freshman Ashlee LeCompte, Chapel hopes she can bring Hillsdale the cheer squad it lacks.

"It reflects poorly on our school spirit when we do not have people dedicated to cheering at our games," Chapel said. "Hillsdale needs good cheering during its basketball and football games."

If the informational meeting held Feb. 2 was any indication, Hillsdale may soon have its own batch of cheerleaders for the first time since 2004, though they are still in the preliminary stages of forming. Eleven women met with Chapel and LeCompte. One, a future freshman from Jackson, Mich., is so excited to potentially cheer for Hillsdale that she will be commuting a semester in advance should the squad gain approval. As Chapel sees it, the response is a sign of the times.

"There was little interest in previous cheer squads here, but we are more dedicated than that," Chapel said. "I honestly believe if we start this we can get it back where it needs to be taken seriously."

With the group tentatively planning a cheer camp for the week after spring break, the administration is listening. Director of Athletics Don Brubacher said having heard the cheer proposal, the department is researching the level of interest. Brubacher said any squad, co-ed or not, must have at least eight students. Though steps have been tentative so far, Brubacher hopes the cheerleading squad will come into its own.

"If we do establish this program, we want it to continue," he said. "I must say I appreciate all their hard work so far as this is something that could potentially bring a more exciting game day environment to Hillsdale."

Professor of Physical Education Alesia Aumock, who coached Hillsdale's last cheer squad from 1999-2001, agreed. She said she has seen the power of cheering first-hand.

"A game with cheering produces a great atmosphere, a healthy atmosphere," Aumock said. "Cheerleading shows people care about the school - whatever it does."

Though nothing is set in stone yet, LeCompte remains optimistic her endeavor with Chapel will succeed. She said in the coming weeks the group will try recruiting more women who missed the initial meeting as well as "muscle men" comfortable with throwing women in the air. Beyond this, fundraisers ranging from can drives to bake sales might be in order. No matter what, she said, the future looks bright.

"It is not going to be amazing the first year, but it will grow," LeCompte said. "This is a big step forward for our sporting events."

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