Breaking the mold: A-C boys opt to cheer

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 12, 1999

Dan Opdahl and Nathan Wilder aren’t afraid to go against the grain.

Tuesday, October 12, 1999

Dan Opdahl and Nathan Wilder aren’t afraid to go against the grain. While the two friends say they sometimes get some strange looks, for the most part the community seems to enjoy their antics as cheerleaders.

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Both readily admit that it’s quite unusual for two boys to opt for cheerleading over other fall sports in Alden, but they figured it’s time to break some rules.

&uot;He wanted to break a tradition,&uot; Wilder said. &uot;Alden’s built on a lot of little things that don’t change.&uot;

&uot;We needed to do something to break new ground,&uot; Opdahl added.

So for the past two months, the boys have been cheerleaders for the girls’ volleyball squad at Alden-Conger school.

Not only has the experience helped them to break some stereotypes, they say they’ve learned a respect for the sport.

&uot;It’s a lot harder than we thought it would be,&uot; Wilder said.

Opdahl and Wilder had to attend a volleyball camp before school started where they learned the basics of being a cheerleader.

&uot;It was really humiliating,&uot; Opdahl said with a smile.

Wilder explained, &uot;it wasn’t directed for guys at all. It was mostly aimed at girls.&uot;

And Wilder and Opdahl’s cheering style isn’t conventional. They lack the polished, exaggerated movements of more seasoned cheerleaders. The boys don’t do cartwheels, flips or splits. As seniors with absolutely no cheering skills, they stick to the basics – yelling, chanting and clapping.

&uot;I had to learn how to clap in rhythm,&uot; said Opdahl.

The boys admit cheering has improved their sense of rhythm, but not much.

Their main goal is simply to get the crowd involved.

&uot;A lot of kids would come to the games and just sit there and talk. There’s hardly anyone watching the game,&uot; said Opdahl. &uot;A cheerleader’s job is to get the crowd going.&uot;

And they’re willing to do what it takes to get others cheering for the home team. On occasion, they’ve even got right into the crowd to get them involved.

If it weren’t for Opdahl and Wilder, the volleyball team would not have had cheerleaders this year. Their willingness to break into an untraditional role has not gone unnoticed.

&uot;The girls (volleyball players) really like it. And the parents respect them too,&uot; Mary Sparks-Johnson said. As their advisor, she’s helped the boys learn cheers.

Often they steal the show, she said. Referees, coaches and players enjoy watching the two work.

&uot;At times, people just stop everything to hear them cheer,&uot; she said.

The boys also got a standing ovation from the supporters of an opposing team.

Sparks-Johnson also appreciates what the boys are willing to do to support the volleyball players.

&uot;They’re very innovative and creative,&uot; she said. &uot;They’re definitely team players. And that’s what it’s all about.&uot;