Cheerleaders ? ? ?

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Westbadenboy

The All-MVC Level
Got to my first game last Saturday and it was terrific ! Former student of mine who lives in Terre Haute noted this was the best crowd of the season -- were not really 5000+ there, but fans were actually into the game and pretty enthusiastic. Of course the game -- WOW !

I know this has probably been discussed and I just missed it (and some may think its really not a big deal), but what did happen with the ISU cheerleaders -- how did almost all quit or get dismissed ?

And secondly wasn't there any effort to replace them ?

It was just weird....and Hulman Center needs all the spirit raising folks we can get in there.

So what happened ? ? ?

:frown: :embarassed:
 

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Westbadenboy said:
Got to my first game last Saturday and it was terrific ! Former student of mine who lives in Terre Haute noted this was the best crowd of the season -- were not really 5000+ there, but fans were actually into the game and pretty enthusiastic. Of course the game -- WOW !

I know this has probably been discussed and I just missed it (and some may think its really not a big deal), but what did happen with the ISU cheerleaders -- how did almost all quit or get dismissed ?

And secondly wasn't there any effort to replace them ?

It was just weird....and Hulman Center needs all the spirit raising folks we can get in there.

So what happened ? ? ?

:frown: :embarassed:
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It's really ridiculous, there were only two female cheerleaders Saturday, down from 3 a week before. I've heard some were dismissed because they weren't available over break and I think others just quit. Like you, I don't understand why they haven't found replacements. Unless, people just don't want to cheer for the boss. I think it's past time that they get a replacement cheer coach.
 
meistro said:
It's really ridiculous, there were only two female cheerleaders Saturday, down from 3 a week before. I've heard some were dismissed because they weren't available over break and I think others just quit. Like you, I don't understand why they haven't found replacements. Unless, people just don't want to cheer for the boss. I think it's past time that they get a replacement cheer coach.
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I suppose my expertise is limited on here to non-basketball and game atmosphere but I can say that being a former cheer guy, I must admit I have been keenly aware of the shrinking "squad" this season, and I use that term loosely, since the first game. I talked to a former cheerleader and the father of one of the few girls that actually showed up on Saturday. I had a theory on what had happened because the squad had taken such a positive step forward the last two seasons, but not only was the talent down but the numbers had also taken a huge step backward. They had fluctuated from 12-16 in recent years and were close to that at football. They started with maybe 8 for hoops, (6 girls and 2 guys), then that dropped in early December to a total of 6, then 5, and now somewhere around 3 and 4. The numbers vary because they really never know who's going to show up.

I had suspected that there had been a "revolution" against their coach, or something else because of school regulations or requirements. The dad and the vet I talked to had little hesitation, and it was the coach Tammy. I barely know Tammy but this did not surprise me at all. I am not going to spell it all out but Tammy's style apparently had worn thin on many and after a few disputes many just decided to quit or not tryout for basketball. Live tryouts were passed on in lieu of video tapes which irritated a few as well. People are hired to do a job and Tammy was coaching both the Sparkettes and the Cheer Squad. Her talents are primarily dancing and this year, the Sparkettes appear much better to me. Not all of the cheerleaders, whatever the number, are currently at a minimum standard of ability and frankly, it is embarrassing. I thought I would wait a game or two and then possibly send a letter to Clink because he has little history to go on. Oddly enough, I had more fun at Saturday's game than I have in a couple of years, the fans were as vocal as the Blackout Creighton game a couple of years ago and everyone seemed to enjoy the game, with or with the cheerleaders!

Maybe we can live without them but I don't think so. It does suck though. Not sure what can be done in the short term but I am glad that it was finally mentioned by WBB. It does need to get fixed. Sooner or probably later, I would imagine. Sad indeed.
 
Bally #50 said:
I suppose my expertise is limited on here to non-basketball and game atmosphere but I can say that being a former cheer guy, I must admit I have been keenly aware of the shrinking "squad" this season, and I use that term loosely, since the first game. I talked to a former cheerleader and the father of one of the few girls that actually showed up on Saturday. I had a theory on what had happened because the squad had taken such a positive step forward the last two seasons, but not only was the talent down but the numbers had also taken a huge step backward. They had fluctuated from 12-16 in recent years and were close to that at football. They started with maybe 8 for hoops, (6 girls and 2 guys), then that dropped in early December to a total of 6, then 5, and now somewhere around 3 and 4. The numbers vary because they really never know who's going to show up.

I had suspected that there had been a "revolution" against their coach, or something else because of school regulations or requirements. The dad and the vet I talked to had little hesitation, and it was the coach Tammy. I barely know Tammy but this did not surprise me at all. I am not going to spell it all out but Tammy's style apparently had worn thin on many and after a few disputes many just decided to quit or not tryout for basketball. Live tryouts were passed on in lieu of video tapes which irritated a few as well. People are hired to do a job and Tammy was coaching both the Sparkettes and the Cheer Squad. Her talents are primarily dancing and this year, the Sparkettes appear much better to me. Not all of the cheerleaders, whatever the number, are currently at a minimum standard of ability and frankly, it is embarrassing. I thought I would wait a game or two and then possibly send a letter to Clink because he has little history to go on. Oddly enough, I had more fun at Saturday's game than I have in a couple of years, the fans were as vocal as the Blackout Creighton game a couple of years ago and everyone seemed to enjoy the game, with or with the cheerleaders!

Maybe we can live without them but I don't think so. It does suck though. Not sure what can be done in the short term but I am glad that it was finally mentioned by WBB. It does need to get fixed. Sooner or probably later, I would imagine. Sad indeed.
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As an alumnus of the Basketball Band at ISU, she became increasingly difficult to work with as the years went on. At some point the basketball band which had historically cheered loudly and voraciously was told that their services were no longer needed when it came to starting and leading cheers, which obvsiously means that members are going to be less inclined to be involved when cheering is lead by the cheerleaders. Now, some of that falls on the shoulders of the current Basketball Band director, Nikk Pillato and some of it on the previous director in Nicole Gross, because neither of them had any interest in maintaining the Basketball Band's involvement past playing occasionally, but much of it is on Tammy.

When the Alumni Band played last year, one of our members started a cheer, she quite literally walked over and told us to stop. An alumni group who just wanted to be involved and support the team. Nope. She wasn't having it. I hope she gets booted as soon as possible, though if history has anything for us, it's that she will somehow endure and her title will be changed again.
 

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LoudNProud said:
As an alumnus of the Basketball Band at ISU, she became increasingly difficult to work with as the years went on. At some point the basketball band which had historically cheered loudly and voraciously was told that their services were no longer needed when it came to starting and leading cheers, which obvsiously means that members are going to be less inclined to be involved when cheering is lead by the cheerleaders. Now, some of that falls on the shoulders of the current Basketball Band director, Nikk Pillato and some of it on the previous director in Nicole Gross, because neither of them had any interest in maintaining the Basketball Band's involvement past playing occasionally, but much of it is on Tammy.

When the Alumni Band played last year, one of our members started a cheer, she quite literally walked over and told us to stop. An alumni group who just wanted to be involved and support the team. Nope. She wasn't having it. I hope she gets booted as soon as possible, though if history has anything for us, it's that she will somehow endure and her title will be changed again.
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LNP, funny that we had mentioned during the past few games, that the band seemed less "animated" than we remembered it and that they appeared to not enjoy it as much as in the past. Strange how directors and coaches can completely alter the game by small adjustments that detract from it. I have ALWAYS been a big supporter of the pep band and I was proud when my girlfriend, who is NOT an alum, mentioned just how great the pep band was in the first game we went to. I miss the old DK days (former director) but I suppose he went thru all the political crap that job entails too. I appreciate your info. If I ever write Sherard, that will be useful information to pass on. If Tammy would have asked me to tone it down at OUR game, I would have lost it. What a shame because the band LEADS in spreading the fun.
 
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Hey Bally.
For whatever its worth... My youngest was interested in cheering in college and when we visited ISU she was invited to sit on the floor with the squad during a basketball game. After the game she was noncommittal when I asked her for her thoughts and impressions (I think because she knows how much I love my alma mater), but later confided that the squad was completely disinterested in what they were doing and most of the squad couldn't make her high school team.

Which is sad because I remember how freaking good they used to be.

She ended up attending Mizzou and cheered her freshman year, but the time demands were too great for her to continue once she was accepted into their School of Journalism.

evidence:
 
First off about the cheering....it's a disgrace....when I was here in school the first time in mid 90s we won best cheerleaders almost every year at Arch Madness. The coach and captain should be recruiting kids that give a darn. I would encourage anyone who has concerns to voice them directly to Clink because he will listen.

About the band....the last few games there has been a new guy directing. I am not sure of his name but he is a bigger guy and is excellent. He has a great feel for the game and will call for the fight song when we are on a hot streak and seems to not be so on schedule with what the band needs to play. He is willing to improvise and I think it has been so much better!
 

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this is football and not basketball but there is something about the band playing in the background of any college game I watch that really makes the atmosphere. I think that is a major factor to me enjoying college football more than the NFL. That and none of those assholes wanted me, LOL
 
Blue Streaker said:
First off about the cheering....it's a disgrace....when I was here in school the first time in mid 90s we won best cheerleaders almost every year at Arch Madness. The coach and captain should be recruiting kids that give a darn. I would encourage anyone who has concerns to voice them directly to Clink because he will listen.

About the band....the last few games there has been a new guy directing. I am not sure of his name but he is a bigger guy and is excellent. He has a great feel for the game and will call for the fight song when we are on a hot streak and seems to not be so on schedule with what the band needs to play. He is willing to improvise and I think it has been so much better!
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Funny you mention that. His name is Matt Moody and is an alumnus actually. He graduated with a degree in music ed and has been looking for a full time teaching job. He's filling in right now for the actual director because Nikk Pilatto apparently doesn't have the time to direct his own basketball band.

So there's that. I think Matt is great though, he and I were in school together for a few years. He's a talented trombonist and I hope he finds a long term teaching gig soon.

I was lucky to have DK as my marching band director for 2 seasons and as my basketball band director for 3 (he was out on medical leave for what would have been season 3 of marching band.) I wish he were still directing the athletic bands as well. He and I sit together at the games now, which I'm thankful for, he's a special guy. And yes, he has caught a lot of "political" crap over the years. If you guys knew the depths of what has happened, you'd burn the school of music to the ground.
 
LoudNProud said:
Funny you mention that. His name is Matt Moody and is an alumnus actually. He graduated with a degree in music ed and has been looking for a full time teaching job. He's filling in right now for the actual director because Nikk Pilatto apparently doesn't have the time to direct his own basketball band.

So there's that. I think Matt is great though, he and I were in school together for a few years. He's a talented trombonist and I hope he finds a long term teaching gig soon.

I was lucky to have DK as my marching band director for 2 seasons and as my basketball band director for 3 (he was out on medical leave for what would have been season 3 of marching band.) I wish he were still directing the athletic bands as well. He and I sit together at the games now, which I'm thankful for, he's a special guy. And yes, he has caught a lot of "political" crap over the years. If you guys knew the depths of what has happened, you'd burn the school of music to the ground.
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I cant see or hear his name without thinking of Enrico Palazzo
 
LoudNProud said:
Funny you mention that. His name is Matt Moody and is an alumnus actually. He graduated with a degree in music ed and has been looking for a full time teaching job. He's filling in right now for the actual director because Nikk Pilatto apparently doesn't have the time to direct his own basketball band.

So there's that. I think Matt is great though, he and I were in school together for a few years. He's a talented trombonist and I hope he finds a long term teaching gig soon.

I was lucky to have DK as my marching band director for 2 seasons and as my basketball band director for 3 (he was out on medical leave for what would have been season 3 of marching band.) I wish he were still directing the athletic bands as well. He and I sit together at the games now, which I'm thankful for, he's a special guy. And yes, he has caught a lot of "political" crap over the years. If you guys knew the depths of what has happened, you'd burn the school of music to the ground.
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Tell DK I said hi and wish him well for me. He was fantastic to work with and he always got the band to come down to the Bally for me and the Out-of-Towner's Classic. Over the years I caught on to the politics involved and it made me sick. Sometime, I wish the Athletic Office would bring interested parties in for a meeting and do a roundtable on what works and what DOES NOT work at basketball games. I mean some of the ushers, Jennifer in the TO, Tammy's replacement, even a coach, to try and end having those deals like Tammy telling the band to tone it down and playing music at the wrong time. That whole "quiet the band, we don't need help" comment still makes me cringe.

Like NIKLZ said above, it's the damn band (both football and basketball) that really fires up the crowd, and certainly not the 3-4 guys and gals on today's squad. 12-16 of them running around the upper concourse with the flags does, not three running to the ladies room to straighten their bow. Maybe someday.... right? I love Clink and am confident he wants to do the right thing and John Sherman and I have chatted pretty regularly so who knows? GO TREES!
 

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Bally #50 said:
Tell DK I said hi and wish him well for me. He was fantastic to work with and he always got the band to come down to the Bally for me and the Out-of-Towner's Classic. Over the years I caught on to the politics involved and it made me sick. Sometime, I wish the Athletic Office would bring interested parties in for a meeting and do a roundtable on what works and what DOES NOT work at basketball games. I mean some of the ushers, Jennifer in the TO, Tammy's replacement, even a coach, to try and end having those deals like Tammy telling the band to tone it down and playing music at the wrong time. That whole "quiet the band, we don't need help" comment still makes me cringe.

Like NIKLZ said above, it's the damn band (both football and basketball) that really fires up the crowd, and certainly not the 3-4 guys and gals on today's squad. 12-16 of them running around the upper concourse with the flags does, not three running to the ladies room to straighten their bow. Maybe someday.... right? I love Clink and am confident he wants to do the right thing and John Sherman and I have chatted pretty regularly so who knows? GO TREES!
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So who does the pep band report to and the cheerleaders? God, this seems so petty! But their contribution to our athletic events experience is so important. This should take only one meeting of those involved. Hear what they have to say and then TELL them this is how it WILL be or you’re outta here! This bullshit has got to stop now.
 
WOZ said:
So who does the pep band report to and the cheerleaders? God, this seems so petty! But their contribution to our athletic events experience is so important. This should take only one meeting of those involved. Hear what they have to say and then TELL them this is how it WILL be or you’re outta here! This bullshit has got to stop now.
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The Basketball Band and Marching Band are both extensions of the School of Music housed within the College of Arts and Sciences. Nikk Pilatto, the current Athletic Band director officially answers to a tandem of Roby George (Current Director of Bands. He's pure crap at his job...I have many stories) and the interim Director of the School of Music Paul Bro. Paul is filling in while a new director is found and has been doing a pretty good job administratively for the school.

Obviously they have bosses and I'm sure there are several rungs up the food chain you could say they report to, but the Bball Band goes to Roby and Paul first. Mostly Paul, because the Director of Bands Roby George would sooner light the Bball and Marching Bands on fire than have anything to do with them.
 
WOZ said:
So who does the pep band report to and the cheerleaders? God, this seems so petty! But their contribution to our athletic events experience is so important. This should take only one meeting of those involved. Hear what they have to say and then TELL them this is how it WILL be or you’re outta here! This bullshit has got to stop now.
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It can't be that simple can it?
 
It seems like there should be one person to set the tone for both band ad cheerleaders. Each organization would determine how to accomplish the goals set for them. One person, likely Clinkscales, would hold each unit resonsible for success and have the final decision on how things work out.
 
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