The Cheerleader coach asked ... ... ...

[JediMasterQuiGonCurtis]

For suggestions on how better they can be a part of the game they are not actually participating. I made it to the game last night and the first thing coming to my mind was how the game is about the game and not about which cheerleader can hold another up in the way of the actual basketball action going on out on the floor the longest. Out of all of the chants no one takes a part in but them, there was one cheer elevating the crowd to participation also involving the band in a slower drum driven 'hurrah' used mid way through the first half which was positive and something you can build on.

[Da Coach]

This is one of the issues that will always be debated when it comes to cheerleading. The cheerleaders are always going to be obstructing someone's view of the floor when they are up.
I think it was a greater problem at the Fieldhouse because of the raised floor, and the lack of space on the ends of the court requiring the cheerleaders to always be on the side.
I have never heard anyone complain about this at the Carver Arena.

[CHEERatBU]

suggestions...

Cheerleading coach here again...and I'm a little confused by your post JediMaster. I'm not quite sure what you're trying to accomplish with what you've written here - because what you've said, simply isn't true.

Per the rules put forth by the NCAA in accordance with AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors - see http://www.aacca.org) you will never see any Bradley Cheerleaders in the air when there is a live ball...so I'm not quite sure where you are coming from when you talk about the cheerleaders being "...in the way of the actual basketball action going on out on the floor".

Normally I wouldn't respond to this type of statement publicly, however, with cheerleaders all over the country under intense scrutiny I feel it important to point out that we are in compliance with the rules.

As for the chants...the band, cheerleaders, dance team, and students (when we get to Carver and have a "student" section) all take part. No one can strong arm a fan into opening his/her mouth...hence my original post requesting any new ideas to incite the crowd to yell with us.

We have some new ideas of ways to get the crowd involved...including the new drum beats you heard...most of which will be introduced downtown. Once again, we're always open to new ideas - if you'd like to share...please feel free to email me at rmhinnen@bradley.edu.

Thanks and GO BRAVES!

[Stryker]

Last night there wasn't really any student section, and you could tell because all of us student stood up first when something cool happened, like Tyrone scoring. I don't have any problem with the cheerleaders either, they were in front of the band, so it wasn't like they were right in the crowds face or something, and as stated, they only get held up when the ball is not in play.

[Beninator]

I think that the cheerleaders did a fine job last night. I didnt see any problems with the sqaud obstructing anyone's view.

Keep up the good work.

[bradley09jdubs]

The chearleaders did a fine job last night, again reiterating the fact that they were not in anybody's way while the game was going on! If you're talking about who is in the way while the ball was in play, you should be complaining about how the dance team is sitting just a foot away from the edge of the court on the end! To me, it looked like every play in that area they got in the way. They should be off to the side just the same as the cheerleaders until there is a timeout.

[ph]

I do kinda wonder why there has been only 1 letter flag. (There used to be a "B" and a "U") I think there should at least be 2 "B"'s (for Bradely and Brave)

I do not know the regulations about running in the isles, but do think that should be used a few more times in the games...

[bradley09jdubs]

well they are long heavy poles and running the isles, you could risk hitting somebody w/ them. I know in the past if we were on a role we'd run the "B" flag out to half court and that helped to get everybody up on their feet. As for taking the "B" and "U" flag out there, only half the people would get the "BU" effect while everyone else would have to figure out what "UB" stands for lol

[ph]

well they are long heavy poles and running the isles, you could risk hitting somebody w/ them.

I wasn't trying to suggest running the flags into the stands. That was 2 different points.

I know in the past if we were on a role we'd run the "B" flag out to half court and that helped to get everybody up on their feet. As for taking the "B" and "U" flag out there, only half the people would get the "BU" effect while everyone else would have to figure out what "UB" stands for lol

I noticed that in the past, but it never bothered me. I was thinking that "BB" would be better understood than "UB"

[BUrednwhite]

I noticed that in the past, but it never bothered me. I was thinking that "BB" would be better understood than "UB"

Honestly, I would think that having "BB" would be entirely confusing. Our school is referred to as Bradley, The Braves, Bradley Braves, or BU. We see "BU" stuff everywhere. I understand the use of "B-R-A-D-L-E-Y" or "B-U" flags, because they are our most used names.

Additionally, there is only a "one letter flag" at times when the game gets exciting. For example, when BU scores in a tight situation and a time-out is called. Then, the "B" flag is run. Any other time, "BRADLEY" is spelled out in seven flags.

[shaunguth]

Honestly, I would think that having "BB" would be entirely confusing. Our school is referred to as Bradley, The Braves, Bradley Braves, or BU. We see "BU" stuff everywhere. I understand the use of "B-R-A-D-L-E-Y" or "B-U" flags, because they are our most used names.

Additionally, there is only a "one letter flag" at times when the game gets exciting. For example, when BU scores in a tight situation and a time-out is called. Then, the "B" flag is run. Any other time, "BRADLEY" is spelled out in seven flags.

I agree and don't see even less confusion if the "B" and "U" flags are run around the court and everyone gets the full effect.

[JediMasterQuiGonCurtis]

Okay. Okay. I get the message ... ... ...

And looking inward must admit what it really is bugging me about the cheerfollowers. I do not care for any of their cheers. Think their free give-aways to the audience is almost incestual. Have done my best at never watching them since the Versace years when after he left it all changed. I do not pay hard cash at the movie theatre to watch what is going on at the snack bar. I do not pay for and go to these games to see anything else other than the game. Menial distractions such as these cheerfollowers do nothing other than what this name characterizes them as to the extreme. I have said my piece. I feel better. Characterize me as you will. I did with them. Extreme y-a-w-n. At least I can take solace in the reality the organ player and his three songs are no longer. Now I only have to deal with all of the above and the worst referees any one can find ... ... ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Da Coach]

Curtis, just ignore them as best you can. Cheerleaders have always been a part of the college basketball game, and they probably always will be.

I am sure there are others who would prefer to do without them, but most enjoy what they add.

[Grassman]

And looking inward must admit what it really is bugging me about the cheerfollowers. I do not care for any of their cheers. Think their free give-aways to the audience is almost incestual. Have done my best at never watching them since the Versace years when after he left it all changed. I do not pay hard cash at the movie theatre to watch what is going on at the snack bar. I do not pay for and go to these games to see anything else other than the game. Menial distractions such as these cheerfollowers do nothing other than what this name characterizes them as to the extreme. I have said my piece. I feel better. Characterize me as you will. I did with them. Extreme y-a-w-n. At least I can take solace in the reality the organ player and his three songs are no longer. Now I only have to deal with all of the above and the worst referees any one can find ... ... ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Are/were you like an English lit major? For somebody who characterizes themselves as,"to see anything else other than the game." You sure seem distraught over "the cheerfollowers."
Wow, move over George Will. I cannot translate him either.
Is this a Sports site or a creative writing class?

[real fan]

The cheerleaders are a big part of the program and I believe they do a good job; the girl who was on the floor last night in front of section B was trying really hard to get everyone in that section involved ;it is really hard without the students present in large numbers to get any type of cheers going so you really need to make sure that you are coming up with cheers that are more suited to the students.