According to Leanne Brown, a fitness leader in Recreation and Intramural Programs and in her first year as head cheerleading coach, the squad competed against 16 other schools at Rutgers University in August. Lana Arcidiacono, a senior early childhood education major and team co-captain, called the camp a great experience. Arcidiacono, who has been cheering since third grade, is currently a third-year member of the Delaware squad. Performers must be athletically inclined and have an enjoyable personality.
Cheerleaders act as liaisons between the crowd and the team.
In addition to the summer training, the team practices throughout the football and basketball seasons. Excellence in cheerleading requires exceptional endurance and the ability to perform in an entertaining manner, Brown said. She has the squad practicing Monday through Thursday, while lifting twice a week. Each practice involves intense cardiovascular workouts. You must maintain the same energy level from beginning to end.