Bluebird feat. Chris Thile

Ship Life

SU cheer team fights to gain respect and status in the athletic department

Chaela Williams Asst. Ship Life Editor

The Shippensburg University cheerleading team spread Raider spirit with energetic chants and performances. Yet team members feel their positive energy is tested from battling stereotypes and lack of recognition.

Before COVID-19, the SU cheer team would practice for game days three times a week to perfect their performances. Members of the team are expected to have skills in stunting and tumbling.

Tumbling is the advanced gymnastic side of cheerleading where members use their bodies to flip and roll. SU cheer member Danielle Diehl wants people to understand that cheerleading is more than putting on a smile and shaking pompoms. She expresses that college stuntMorgan Barr Asst. Ship Life Editor

This semester is bringing change to Shippensburg University’s campus due to COVID-19, but luckily the ShipRec will be bringing a sense of normalcy to students this fall.

The university has allowed the ShipRec to reopen for student use this semester for personal and group fitness activities.

ShipRec will be taking precautions to ensure safety for those who use its facilities.

“Students can expect to see a lot of changes in the Rec this semester to comply with guidelines and promote safety,” said senior Courtney Lesik, a ShipRec employee. “We have made the necessary changes so that social distancing is possible throughout the building as well as requiring temperature checks upon arrival.”

In addition to distancing ing takes massive amount of skills, muscle and body control.

“College and high school [cheer] is completely different,” Diehl said. “[Members] must have body control. If they don’t people can end up getting hurt.”

The cheerleading team perform for both football and basketball seasons. With comparing the two, the team prefers football season due to the electrifying atmosphere of dancing to the SU marching band and having more fans attending games.

Even though the squad enjoys cheering and supporting sport teams, they wish to branch off and become a competition team.

Competing is the main goal for the SU cheer team. Last year, the team participated in an exhibition at Waynesboro High School to get its name out there. But due to lack of funds and conand temperature checks, there is now one entrance and exit to the building.

Students and staff will be required to wear masks throughout the building with the exception of some cardio machines that have plexiglass shields for protection.

ShipRec staff will be doing their part to help keep the ShipRec a safe place as well.

“Rec employees will be wearing masks at all times and sanitizing commonly touched surfaces and equipment more often throughout the day,” Lesik said.

There will also be more ShipRec staff members placed throughout the building to make sure cleaning is being completed and that students are following the new policies.

In order for the ShipRec to stay open, following the new policies is a must, according to Lesik. “Unfortunately, we

Photo courtesy of Jon Bergmueller

The SU cheer team hopes it can represent the university at a national cheerleading competition. Members feel the team is underrepresented in the sports department.

sideration from university officials, Diehl says have stalled the team’s process of achieving their goal.

The team tried to raise have already seen some defiance regarding mask wearing, but staff members are knowledgeable on how to approach these situations to make sure everyone can feel safe and comfortable at the Rec,” she said.

Students who choose to not wear a mask will be asked to put one on the first time. After a second offense, the student will be given a warning and if they choose to continue to disobey the mask policy, may be asked to leave immediately, according to Lesik.

As for group fitness, the ShipRec will still be offering fitness classes such as yoga and cardio kickboxing. Students can choose to participate in outdoor classes, or join the classes via zoom.

The ShipRec’s social media keeps students up to date on what classes will be offered and when. money last year with an event called “Pie a Cheerleader” to fund their compettion dreams. According to Diehl, the team has tried other fundraising events but with the amount they made it Read the full story at theslateonline.com.

ShipRec strives to support students

is not enough.

Carmine Scicchitano/The Slate

Students must keep their masks on while exercising in order to use equipment and other facilities at ShipRec.

Question of the Week: What is your favorite music album?

Bergslyne Thomas, junior “Coldplay’s ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ album because it is out of this world and magical.”

Cindy Dam, junior “ ‘How I’m Feeling’ album by Lauv features several personalities of the singer and all the songs depicts his emotions which is amazing.”

Bria Flynn, Senior “ ‘Kirk’ by DaBaby. I love his energy. He really gives me positive vibes.”

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

1 bag of extra small shrimp 1 package of low-carb tortillas 1 avocado 1 tomato Fresh spinach leaves 1 bag Taco blend shredded cheese 1 bag SteamFresh rice Taco seasoning packet Olive oil 1 lime

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Coat a pan or electric grill with olive or vegetable oil. 2. Set the grill or burner on medium heat 3. Add in the shrimp, make sure it has a solid coating of oil then add in the taco seasoning. 4. While the shrimp is cooking, cut up the tomato, avocado and lime. Microwave the rice as well. 5. Toast the tortillas in a toaster oven or on the stove for 4 minutes. 6. After the shrimp is finished cooking, squeeze ¼ of the lime over the shrimp. 7. Put the tortilla in a bowl, add rice, shrimp and other toppings. Enjoy!

APB hosts outdoor movie night