Happy 119th Birthday, Cheerleading!

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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!

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!

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