Happy 119th Birthday, Cheerleading!

Posted November 2, 2017

An incredible 119 years ago today, Johnny Campbell hopped the fence at a University of Minnesota football game and created a something so special it forever changed athletic events.

On November 2, 1898, Johnny Campbell led Minnesota fans in their first organized cheer. After this amazing move, the university formed a student organization known as the yell leader squad. This team of six male students used traditional Minnesota chants that are still used today!

Happy Birthday Cheerleading! On Nov 2, 1898 Johnny Campbell hopped the fence at a football game & became the 1st Cheerleader ever! pic.twitter.com/XmvcpYtFXT

— American Cheer Power (@CheerPower_ACP) November 2, 2017

What would athletic events be like today if Johnny Campbell didn’t take this initiative to lead his university to cheer on the U of M football team? He created something that he probably never knew would evolve into something that so many talented athletes have fallen in love with.

Today we thank you, Mr. Campbell! Happy 119th birthday, cheerleading!

Related News

Where To Find The Varsity Cheer League Champions This Season: Thunder Elite

The 2026-2027 All Star Cheer season is officially here with events already underway! Teams have already started tallying up those points for Season 5 of the Varsity Cheer League. To help get fans ready for the upcoming season, Varsity TV is taking a look at the Varsity Cheer League reigning champions, giving fans an inside look at where you can find them competing on stage this season. Today we're checking in with a D2 powerhouse from the Southwest region. Thunder Elite is coming off an incredible season where five of their teams finished in the top 3!