A woman is flung into orbit, where at the apex of her flight she performs a toe-touch trick. Back on Earth, the “bases,” or team members who executed the toss, await the woman’s landing.
This high-flying act, dubbed the “basket toss,” is no circus stunt, but one of many advanced routines accomplished by members of the Cheer Squad.
Once comprised of females, the modern-day cheer team has been a lure for athletic men. Of the 27 cheerleaders making the 2010-2011 Cheer Squad, seven are men, which is up four from last season.
“This team is a second family to me and challenging,” Ruben Martinez, 20, nursing major, said.
Martinez was a member of the 2008-2009 squad before taking last season off.
About 40 candidates competed in the 2010-2011 Cheer Squad tryouts on May 5 in Physical Education Room 52. Judges graded candidates in the areas of dance, tumbling, cheers and stunts.
The role of men has opened a new dimension for the squad.Cheer Squad officials said the men’s physical strength will be channeled into higher levels of stunts and tumbling.
Next season’s squad has added six additional competitions to its schedule, with sports events still a staple.
The team practices three times a week, two hours a day, and on weekends undergos gymnastics training. Team leaders said that a three-day cheerleading camp with other colleges in July will help build team spirit and give members a look at the competition.