The cheerleading program at USM is in rebuilding mode and- despite last year’s success at the Division II National tournament in Daytona- it is clear that the squad is still flying under the radar, constantly having to answer the repetitive question: USM has a cheerleading team?
Ironically it’s the lack of recognition that keeps the Husky cheering squad motivated. After taking 2nd place at the Division II tournament last spring, the team is determined to show the student body that they not only have a cheerleading team, but a dedicated and successful one at that.
“Being overlooked is expected because there hasn’t been years of great success,” explains second year coach, Naomah Waisanen. “But more than anything, my drive is to bring home a national title in cheerleading to USM.”
With such lofty goals you wouldn’t think that the team was in the midst of a rebuilding process.
But despite the struggle of being unknown, there are still hurdles to overcome.
“We’re trying to get our name out there, but we’re struggling right now,” says junior captain Stephanie Dragoon. “Numbers are down. The program is still building and people just don’t know about us,” Dragoon adds.
When people are surprised by the fact that the university even has a cheerleading team, the task of filling up an entire roster can be tricky. To accomplish this, both Waisanen and Dragoon feel that cheering and performing at halftime during every home basketball game is crucial. If the squad can showcase their talent at more athletic events they can begin to establish a much stronger and louder reputation.
“My freshman year we didn’t get any respect from the crowds [at basketball games] but last year we did better with getting them more involved. They were beginning to notice that we were there and we were doing something and after we came in second at nationals we started getting more recognition,” Dragoon recalls.
Coach Waisanen is also planning on having her team hold clinics for younger cheerleaders as well as participate in community service.
The team will also fundraise to get back to Daytona to compete in nationals once again. If the team can raise a surplus of funds after covering the initial $20,000 that it will cost to attend the tournament, they will participate in other competitions as well.
Until the competitive season begins in late November, the team will begin practicing for preseason this Monday and will begin preparing their routine for the upcoming Fall Fest in Gorham, where they hope to draw initial support and interest from the USM community.
“I would love for numbers to go up. That’s all I’ve been trying to do,” Dragoon says. “Even when I’m on Facebook I leave messages saying, “Hey I hear you might cheer,” you know? I just have to get the word out there,”
And at a non-traditional school that accommodates with the fast-paced hustle and bustle of commuters, spreading the word about a resurrected cheering program is about as easy as fixing our stellar economy.
Still, the goals that Dragoon and her fellow teammates have accomplished have provided stepping stones towards future growth and stability. Perhaps the drive of Coach Waisanen and her players will be recognized after capturing a national title. Only time will tell.