The base of support

The Quakers couldn't have done it alone -- it took thousands of screaming fans, the blaring music of the Penn band and 16 dedicated cheerleaders supporting the Red and Blue. Tuesday night's men's basketball matchup against Princeton was a testament to the power of the sidelines in pushing a team to victory. And throughout the season, the cheerleaders provided the moral support for the team to push to its limit. While the squad spends two seasons of the school year training and preparing, they lack the popular acclaim that is part of collegiate athletics. The 16 members on the squad -- nine women and seven men -- are selected at the beginning of each semester in a tryout format. According to the women's captain, College senior Rebecca Kunc, the squad auditions between 20 and 50 people at each tryout. "A back handspring definitely helps," Kunc said. "But the most important thing is to be well-rounded. You should be able to dance, tumble and cheer." Keener added that although male members do not need experience in cheering, it is important to have been involved in some type of athletics. The members stressed that cheerleading is a major time commitment. The squad usually practices three times a week for three hours. "Although we don't have to, some of the guys come in five days a week to lift weights and practice," said male captain Chip Keener, a College and Engineering senior. "They love cheerleading so it becomes a big part of their lives." The cheerleaders are also responsible for attending all Ivy League football and basketball games as well as any televised game. According to College junior Jason Fulton, the time commitment adds up to at least 15 hours per week. "I really enjoy being a cheerleader because I love the games and the people," Fulton said. "I also like it because of the cheerleading is both a challenge and a good workout." Even though the cheerleaders said they enjoy supporting the football and basketball teams, they wish they could also perform at national cheerleading competitions. The squad qualified for several competitions in Texas and California, but Fulton explained that the University will not fund the trips. "We practice so hard," Keener said. "I know that we are the best in the Ivies." This year, for the first time ever, one member of the cheerleading squad dresses as Penn's Quaker mascot. According to Keener, all of the male cheerleaders take turns presenting the character. "I personally enjoy becoming the Quaker," Keener said. "I try to do back tucks and other stunts to get the crowd ready. The kids especially love him."