The first cheerleaders were organized by Princeton Pep club member Thomas Peebler. The six cheerleaders performed at a Princeton University vs University of Minnesota American football game on November 2, 1898. The head cheerleader was Johnny Campbell and all six cheerleaders were men. Women cheerleaders did not appear until the early 1920s. The first use of pom poms or pompons can be traced back to the 1930s, all handmade from paper. Fred Gastoff invented the first vinyl pompoms in 1965, first used by the International Cheerleading Foundation.

Pampering Your Pompons
Choosing your pom pons is not a simple matter. Poms come in a variety of colors and color mixes.
How to Fluff Your Pompons
Learn this simple method to get your new pompons nice and fluffy.
The History of Cheerleading
Comprehensive listing of sites covering the history of cheerleading.
Cheerleading 101
If you're considering trying out for a position on a cheerleading or dance team, look here first.

©Mary Bellis

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