Over 5,000 cheerleaders participated in this year’s NCA collegiate national championships. Quinnipiac finished sixth in their division.

But only six of the 134 competing teams were squads that exist only to compete.

“Most of the participants are sideline cheerleaders,” said Bill Boggs, who runs the competitions. “The thing about cheerleading at the collegiate level is that it is so random as far as what they are considered, who they report to. Some of them are under athletics, some are under activities, some are under club sports, some of them even report to the band.”

Karen Halterman, a senior vice president of NCA, said even though her group hosts the competitions, it believes cheerleading should remain a support activity.

“This is absolutely a sport for those teams that want to go out and practice their technical skill,” she said. “However, cheerleading with just these few exceptions that are out there, always has as its number one responsibility, and still what they do, is support their university and other athletes. That’s what we prefer.”

Renee Baumgartner, Oregon’s executive senior associate athletic director, pushed for cheer at her school, noting its fast growth across the country.

She also acknowledged it is relatively inexpensive.

“In this economic time, it’s also perhaps the only sport that administrators can consider adding,” she said.

But the NCAA doesn’t govern cheerleading, recognize it as a sport or list it as an emerging sport. No school has petitioned to have it considered.

Baumgartner expects that to change in the next few years. In the meantime, Oregon has decided to rename it team stunt and gymnastics.

“We’re trying to change the perception of the sports fan, have them understand what this is, and have them respect that,” Maynard said.

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