Director of Athletics Kevin Saal

[shockerfan]

Having had a step-daughter in competitive and school cheer, I can understand both perspectives.

Cheer and dance has been a fixture of major school sports for a very long time. So I don't begrudge them for being upset at the changes. I also have to wonder how safe it is to do anything but stand and cheer where there's uneven concrete. That said, I think they'll be even more visible in the front of the student section than on the floor.

If they are being asked to deliver food, the cheer and dance programs should be compensated from the proceeds of those seat sales.

Have to slightly disagree regarding visibility. These kids have the same dreams and goals as any other sport. They dream of being on the floor (or field) cheering for D1. Not stand in the student section. Haven't seen that at other colleges. Competitive cheer is way tougher and more rewarding though (for most kids anyway). So hopefully your step-daughter gets to experience and love the highest levels of that sport.

It's kind of disappointing also because Saal spent time at Kentucky which is renowned for their cheer program. They win a lot of titles. Was hoping it would translate.

Oh well, sideline cheer in Kansas just hasn't evolved as much as other places in the country.

And I do like the sharing of proceeds idea. But I think that should be done regardless.

[jcdshocker]

It sounds like the spirit squad that is already working (serving) a concession stand are the back up servers. Not the ones suited up and performing. This has been blown completely up by parents and former cheerleaders. Change is hard sometimes for all of us.

[shockerfan]

It sounds like the spirit squad that is already working (serving) a concession stand are the back up servers. Not the ones suited up and performing. This has been blown completely up by parents and former cheerleaders. Change is hard sometimes for all of us.

If they are working concessions already, then sure. That is one thing. But that really isn't the only problem here. It's ok that many don't think it's a big deal. It's also OK that some think it is a big thing.

[Onegreatracer]

Yeah without a doubt the food delivery thing is ridiculous. They are not employees or servants

WSU has confirmed this isn’t the case btw

[ShockerFever]

Have to slightly disagree regarding visibility. These kids have the same dreams and goals as any other sport. They dream of being on the floor (or field) cheering for D1. Not stand in the student section. Haven't seen that at other colleges. Competitive cheer is way tougher and more rewarding though (for most kids anyway). So hopefully your step-daughter gets to experience and love the highest levels of that sport.

It's kind of disappointing also because Saal spent time at Kentucky which is renowned for their cheer program. They win a lot of titles. Was hoping it would translate.

Oh well, sideline cheer in Kansas just hasn't evolved as much as other places in the country.

And I do like the sharing of proceeds idea. But I think that should be done regardless.

So do you think the cheer team and the money it brings into the athletic department supersedes the basketball program and the money it brings in?

[Stickboy46]

[ShockerExpress]

This is so stupid.

WSU will have / does have some real issues in athletics.

This ranks near last on the list of them.

[Maizerunner08]

For me, the blunt truth has been, I honestly pay little or no attention to the non-basketball things going on when attending games. I’m solely focused on the game, nothing else.

[Kung Wu]

I absolutely love a traditional game day atmosphere. I really appreciate the cheerleaders and the band members, and in no way shape or form do I want to diminish what they bring to the game experience. But the financial pressure in college sports has elevated to new heights, and the only thing keeping every single WSU sport on par with wealthier schools is men's basketball.

Fans are being asked to make historically higher financial contributions than ever before during one of the worst economic periods they have faced in their lifetime and through a period of mediocrity on the court. There is a shrinking class of folks that can and will help alleviate the financial pressure under those circumstances.

There will be experimenting along the way, but if ADKS thinks we can engage life giving donors by getting them closer to the action, then that's what we need to try.

[Kung Wu]

A closing thought for the Facebook ladies: Create a gofundme to raise the money to buy season tickets for the new floor seats and let the cheerleaders sit in them.

[WuDrWu]

They raise all of their own money as it is. University doesn't really give them anything or do anything for them.

I apologize, I thought most of group was on some kind of academic scholarship. My mistake.

[WuDrWu]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous myself. But I have a different perspective than most. I won't air it all out on here cause most here won't care so it's not worth it.

Oh and sorry, but the coach many of you love doesn't coach there anymore. Too bad for all you ODB's LMAO

I, for one at least, am very much interested in your perspective, unique or different as it is. You have insight the rest of us do not, and that is valuable. But I understand and respect if you would rather not share.

[Stickboy46]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous myself. But I have a different perspective than most. I won't air it all out on here cause most here won't care so it's not worth it.

Oh and sorry, but the coach many of you love doesn't coach there anymore. Too bad for all you ODB's LMAO

I just realized what this meant .. and now i'm ready to bring the pitch forks out. Can we get some NIL deals for her? I know she would have PLENTY of support.

[shocktown]

They raise all of their own money as it is. University doesn't really give them anything or do anything for them.

How does this square up with the AD's statement that says his department has a five year average of contributing $220,020 to spirit squad financial support?

You've been quite boisterous about this matter, what is your counter point?

[WuDrWu]

I just realized what this meant .. and now i'm ready to bring the pitch forks out. Can we get some NIL deals for her? I know she would have PLENTY of support.

Yes, this knowledge takes this from 0 to fatal in about a second and a half.