Section B·Page 14
The University Daily Kansan
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Thursday, September 16, 1999
Entertainment
KU students spend Sundays as Chiefs cheerleaders
Spirit squad means more than cheers
By Danny Phillips Special to the Kansan
For two journalism students at the University of Kansas who have worked to become cheerleaders for the Kansas City Chiefs, their combined experiences on the Arrowhead Stadium sideline and in the community literally have been life-altering.
"Who would have thought making the squad would help me learn the true meaning of servanthood?"said Najahe Sherman, Lee's Summit, Mo., junior. "One thing that our director always says is that true happiness in life comes from putting other people before yourself."
That type of selfless devotion to the community is a hallmark of the Chiefs cheerleading squad and is one of the main reasons why Kansas City, Kan., senior Stephanie McCarty wanted to try out. Each year the cheerleaders make 60 to 80 public appearances and are an integral part in raising more than $60,000 annually for the Fox 4 Love Fund through a charity auction.
It's a major part of the squad's responsibility and dedication to the community off the playing field that most fans don't have an opportunity to see.
From the Beginning
It's no wonder that McCarty and Sherman are such good friends. Not only have they formed a bond from cheering professionally for the same team, but their upbringing and life pursuits also are strikingly similar.
McCarty was first exposed to the Chiefs cheerleading team as a senior at Piper High School, as was Sherman at Lee's Summit North High School. Both also were members of their high school dance teams.
That early preparation and experience paid off. In 1997, at the age of 19, McCarty made the squad on her second try. She is now in her third year of cheering, and looking back she realizes it has been one of the best decisions she's made.
"It has changed my life," McCarty said. "The program has made me more mature, poised and professional."
Sherman shares the same sentiments. She also made the squad on her second try at the age of 19, a year after McCarty, and is amazed
that the group of 34 women from diverse backgrounds can get along so well.
"We're so different, but we're all so talented that it's a great opportunity to learn the talents of other people, and you can learn from each other." Sherman said.
Grinding it out
Even though they are professionals, Chiefs cheerleaders can't make performing a full-time job. In fact, one prerequisite for being selected to the squad is being either a full-time student or holding a full-time job.
A typical practice week includes three-hour night practices on Monday and Wednesday, and a six-hour practice on Saturday mornings. They must learn three new dance routines for every game and must arrive late to practice.
"We're treated as professionals, so you're accountable for everything you do." McCarty said. "Regardless of the diversity of our ages, we are responsible and are treated equally."
After performing through a three-and-a-half-hour game, McCarty returns home utterly exhausted.
"The next day after a game I am incredibly sore," she said.
A juggling act
With so many balls in the air, sometimes it is hard to juggle a cheerleading life, a student life and a sorority life with only two hands. But somehow both women manage to persevere. Sherman, a Delta Delta Delta member, admits things can get a little hectic but said that it all came down to prioritizing and deciding what was most important.
"My education is definitely my top priority," she said. "It’s a sacrifice. I don’t have a lot of free time. But it’s so worth it. So many doors have been opened up, and I’ve met many incredible people."
McCarty, who calls the Alpha Delta Pi sorority house her home, also values her education but doesn't forget to have fun while she's at KU.
"I make it a point to maintain my social life." McCarty said. "My grades are fine. I think you have to determine what your values are. Mine happen to be school, family, cheerleading. I have those all in my forefront."
A farewell to stereotypes
all, they're a bunch of women, chosen solely by their looks, who enjoy dating the players, right? Wrong, at least as far the Chiefs organization is concerned.
As long as there have been professional cheerleaders, there also has been a preconceived impression of who they really are. After
The squad is forbidden to date players, there is virtually no fraternization and the selection process is a lot more grueling than one might think.
"The Chiefs organization is nothing like any other NFL organization," Sherman said. "A lot of NFL cheerleading squads are based solely on the way you look, your fitness or your body, and that's totally not what our organization is based around. Ninety-nine percent of what we do is based on our character."
During the annual tryouts, candidates are put through a personal interview evaluation, which is weighed heavily into their overall scores, Sherman said. Questions are geared toward the woman's overall character and standards.
And don't forget the community work.
"One of the reasons I wanted to try out is because I wanted to be involved with the community," McCarty said. "It's more than cheerleading; it's also speaking to the community. It's a lot of work outside of practice."
"This does not compare to anything I've ever done in my life," McCarty said.
Lessons learned
She's become comfortable with her role now and, at times, almost takes for granted the position she's in.
"I can't believe I'm part of this organization — that I'm down on the field cheering at the games," she said.
For Sherman, her overall countenance and character has been raised as a result of joining the squad, and she is pleased by the amount of doors this opportunity has opened.
"The connections you make and the skills you gain allow you to deal with all different personality types, and that's such a replica of what you face in the real world when you-get out in the workplace," she said.
The job isn't without its perks either. If there's one thing both of them have learned from getting so close to the ultimate game with the Chiefs, it's that awaiting them at the end of a Super Bowl victory, just as with the players, is a Super Bowl ring for all 34 squad members.
— Edited by Allan Davis
Stephanie McCarty, Kansas City, Kan., senior, cheers at Arrowhead stadium. McCarty is one of two Chiefs cheerleaders that attend the University of Kansas. The cheerleaders are chosen on the basis of character and community involvement in addition to ability. Contributed photo
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