Since Mr. Gealow likes definitions, let us start with a few key definitions. Band: a musical group. Cheerleader: A person who leads spectators in traditional or formal cheering as in an athletic contest.

The key in the cheerleading definition is that their cheers are meant to lead the spectators, not single out an individual on the court. If the pep band wants to cheer, come up with something creative you can cheer to get the crowd involved. Your cheering should be used to get the crowd pumped up, not single out individuals on the court. Also, at least cheer things that support our players; I doubt any member of our team gets excited about getting a rebound because the guy shooting free throws might have his shoes untied.

Individual fans have the luxury of yelling anything they want at the officials, coaches or players within reason. As representatives of Iowa State, you lose that right, since it reflects poorly on the university directly. You should realize that you have a greater impact on what people think of Iowa State than individual fans.

As a fan, I appreciate your musical abilities and overall cheering for the team; however, no one made you join the pep band. If you would rather be at home studying than supporting your team, make that choice. If you want to yell at players, buy tickets and sit with the rest of the students.

The pep band is not the cheerleading squad. There is a reason we have a group called a band and a group called cheerleaders. The band is appreciated, but the direct cheers at players are not. The pep band chanting unrelated sayings at the players is not a key ingredient in “Hilton Magic,” but the pep band playing the fight song probably is.

Joe Yarbrough

Senior

Mechanical Engineering