PENN CHEERlEADING

Spring 2010 Newsletter

A message from Coach Neary...

Alumni, Family and Friends,

As the campus gears up for commencement we have started to reflect on our 2009 - 2010 season
and are preparing for the next. This has been a season of tremendous achievement. We pushed
beyond our limits, whether it was through another soaking rain during football season, cheering
on the basketball team through some tough battles or laying the foundations of what I hope will
become a lasting tradition of great performances at Disney in Orlando, FL. Through it all, this team has maintained
the sense of commitment, dedication, hard work and tradition that we have come to expect from a Penn Student
Athlete.

As we move forward it is time to say farewell to our four senior cheerleaders, Billy Haddad, W’10,
Christian Simms, C’10, Davin Chow, C’10 and our captain Melissa Hershman, NU’10. Each of these students has
brought an incredible amount of drive, determination and talent to our team and they will be surely missed.

I am happy to announce the four members of the class of 2014 selected for our team from our spring tryouts: Gina
Orlando, Arielle Klepach, Jenna Schultz and Kristen Pfleger. Juliet Stein, another new addition, will be serving as this
year’s team manager. Courtney Esbin, a former Cabrini College cheerleader, will be joining our coaching staff as a
volunteer assistant. All six of these new faces have some great strengths and will be positive additions to our squad.
Please join me in welcoming them to our family!

I am also pleased to welcome back one veteran mascot, fourteen veteran cheerleaders and Tina Teti who will also be
returning in her role as a volunteer assistant coach.

There are many exciting things in store for the team this year and I encourage you to stay connected and be a part
of our program as it grows. We need your involvement now more than ever so that we can continue to provide the
team more deservingopportunities to showcase their rich talent.

Finally, I would like to extend a deep and sincere thank you to all of those who have given to our program, shared a
photo or a story, come to a game, attended the homecoming or parents receptions, made it all the way to Florida to
support us or simply told me they enjoy our newletter and email updates. You keep our program moving forward
more than you realize!

Please have a safe and enjoyable summer and Go Quakers!

Joe Neary
Head Cheerleading Coach
 Message from GAIL ZACHARY
Hello Everyone!

This has been an incredible year for the team. The program has come full circle and then some.
When I say that, I am talking about our return to Orlando to compete at Nationals in January and
our outstanding level of performance. The team worked very hard on everything from fundraisers
to extra practices, not to mention the normal practice and game schedule, to get there. Returning
to Orlando next year is on everyone’s mind. This is our version of the NCAA Tournament and
having team members back with the experience in front of that type of crowd, who have dealt
with the pressure of competition at that level will be an invaluable asset to our new members. We
will have the means to more than improve on last year’s Top 20 finish.

We will, “Do better than our best”, a quote from a long time cheerleader for Penn Athletics, Coach Dan “Lake” Staffieri.
Coach Lake passed away in late April after a hard fight with cancer. I think most of you will remember him on the
sidelines of Penn football games and on home game Fridays’ riding around campus with “The Quaker” in the helmet or
a golf cart encouraging students to come out to the game. He was a great supporter of Penn Athletics as all of you have
been through the years. He had a catch phase/cheer for every opponent, for instance “Smash the Pumpkin Heads” - I
don’t have to tell you whom that one was for. I know when you think back about being alongside Coach Lake or some
other cheer memory; it will put a smile on your face. That is what this is all about- the memories.

Cheerleading has come a long way, but we have a ways to go. As I have said many times, we might not have the
samenumber of alumni or the years as a varsity level sport as some, but we are committed, dedicated and know all
about traditions. Wait a minute, I think you as a group started most of them.

Most of the other sports are ahead of us in many ways, but I know we can catch up. One way would be to have a
better network for mentoring our athletes, preparing them for their life after Penn. Penn has great resources- YOU, out
in the world in all fields from the private sector to public service to running your own businesses. This is where your
help is invaluable, like the members of our team that will mentor the newcomers you too have the opportunity to
help someone starting out. I know for a fact that we have alumni in every field that Joe will mention further on in this
newsletter. Please, step forward and lend a helping hand. It could be as simple as agreeing to review resumes of people
wanting to get into your line of work or talking face to face, or through the computer, to help someone improve their
interviewing skills.

Another level of involvement would be to take an active role on our Board. Every sport in the department has created
a Board. You would be working on the past (getting past members more involved), present (current team needs)
and future (making this a better experience for parents/alumni) of this program. I know, you are saying I don’t live in
Philadelphia (but some of you do) or I don’t have the time (are you on Facebook/Twitter at least
twice a week catching up with someone, why not a Cheer Alum?). We live in a new world of “Social
Networking” and you don’t have to live in Philly or spend time away from the family to help. Think
about it. Give us a call at 215.898.5236.

Last but not least, come out to a game and watch the team in action. If that doesn’t fit into your
schedule and you are on campus or in Philly stop by a practice, maybe take a team member to
lunch. Get to know us. Practice is still in Hutch on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Keep in touch.

Take care and have a great summer.

Gail Zachary
Assistant Director of The Penn Relays and Cheerleading Advisor
 From the Captains...
Dear Friends, Family & Alumni,

It’s been a year of firsts for Penn Cheer. Despite a very rainy football season, we were pleased
to cheer the Quakers on to their first Ivy League Championship in 6 years. Amid a downpour, we
traveled to Harvard to watch the football team clinch its title, proving that a little bit of rain couldn’t
keep us off the sidelines!

And then came an exciting first of our own – a trip to the 2010 Universal Cheer Association’s
College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championships in Orlando, Florida. No Penn Cheer
squad had attended the event since 1997, so we were
especially proud to represent not only our University but the Ivy League as well. The
trip was the culmination of months of preparation, hard work and certainly a few
injuries, but no obstacle was too great for us to overcome. After pushing through a
hectic December full of practices and finals (and trying to balance the two), the team
came back early from Winter Break to get in a few last-minute routine run-throughs.
We left on Friday, January 15th with high hopes and much excitement and returned
four days later as one of the top 20 Small Co-Ed Division 1 teams in the nation!

Even after an early morning flight, we hit the ground running as soon as
we landed in Florida. The first day was devoted to finessing our routine at Disney’s
Wide World of Sports Complex. The next morning, we gave it our all for a brief, but
adrenaline-fueled 2 minutes and 30 seconds and came off the mat proud of what we’d accomplished. We were thrilled to be
joined by several of our teammates’ friends and families – the Youngs, the Chows and the Hershmans – who came in from all
over the country to support us. With our competition over, we were free to enjoy the warm Florida sun and the Disney theme
parks.

While being able to compete was great, the lessons learned from our competition
experience were perhaps even greater. After three years of being on the squad, this year
stands out as truly special. We’ve learned that hard work pays off. With Coach’s constant
reminder to “dig deep,” we’ve learned to push through pain and frustration. We’ve
learned to rely on each other as teammates and friends both on and off the mat. We
came away from the Nationals experience as a more unified team than ever before.

Still, the season was far from over – basketball had only just begun. Undoubtedly the
highlight of the men’s basketball season was Penn’s upset victory at The Palestra over
reigning Ivy League Champion and nationally-ranked Cornell. It was one of, if not the
most, exciting basketball games we’d ever cheered. Watching the fans rush the floor, we were overcome with Red & Blue Pride!
We were equally proud, however, to be part of two philanthropic events during basketball season – Pink Zone, supporting
breast cancer, during the Penn v. Columbia women’s game and Hoops for Haiti at men’s home games. On a lighter note, we also
participated in the first ever Penn Band versus Penn Cheer basketball game during the halftime of the Penn v. Cornell women’s
game. After a crushing 6-4 defeat, we decided we’d better stick to cheering!

As this season comes to a close, we’re already looking forward to next year. Camp is just around the corner and we’re
hoping to show everyone how far we’ve come over the course of this year. With one Nationals experience already under our
belt, we’re ready and eager to return. We know that it won’t be easy, but we’re definitely up for the challenge.

GO QUAKERS!

Kellee Young C‘11 & AJ Gold C ‘11

2010 - 2011 Co-Captains
 2010 Year End Honors

CLASS OF 2010
Melissa Hershman, NU’10
2008 - 2009 Tri - Captain
2009 - 2010 Captain
4 year letterwinner

TEAM HONORS
At the conclusion of each year the team
selects five of their teammates they feel stand
apart from the others in the following ways:

Davin Chow, C’10 Best Attitude

Esther Kim, C’12
2 year letterwinner
Most Improved
Christian Simms, C’10

Most Dedicated
Kellee Young, C’11

Most Spirited
Sarah Huepenbecker, C’12
Christian Simms, C’10
Team MVP
1 year letterwinner Melissa Hershman, NU’10

Coaches’ Award
Ruani Ribe, C’12

Billy Haddad, W’10

3 year letterwinner
“The Quaker”
 2010 uca
College nationals

These are just a few of the

many photos taken during our
trip to Orlando, Florida for the
2010 UCA College Nationals.

We may have only been on the

mat for 2 minutes and 30
seconds but the experience
will last a lifetime.

Thank you for your support

and for helping to make this
dream a reality!

For more information about UCA College Nationals please visit:

http://uca.varsity.com/college_nationals.aspx
 2010 Annual Giving
Alumni and Friends Supporting Penn Cheerleading
$1,000 and above
Anonymous
Kenneth Csaplar, C’79, parent
Nancy Csaplar, ASC’82 WG’82, parent
Steven L. Roth, W'66, parent
$250 to $500
James Bumgardner, MD, C’74
Sandra Bumgardner
Margaret R. Crinnion, C’88
Sean T. Crinnion, W’85
Daniel W. Mercer, C’08, W’08
Joseph P. Neary
Frances R. Rockwell, parent
John R. Rockwell, W’64, WG’66, parent
Decker W. Uhlhorn, C’69, parent
Madeleine C. Uhlhorn, DH’71, parent
$100 to $249
Lea F. Artis, C’08
Sandra J. Bailey, C’95
Peter J. Caust, C’79
Terri Caust
Melissa J. Diebold, NU’02
John DiPaolo, C’92, G’91, W’92
JoAnn Friedrich, parent
Susan M. Heist, W’70
Michele G. Mangini, ENG’88
Louis J. Petrie, C’60
Jan A. van Amerongen, W’60
$1 to $99
Cara A. Bumgardner, C’09, G’10
Ellen C. Channing, C’78
Donna Chen, C’13
Sei Y. Chung, C’13
Brian K. Coyne, C’95
Frederick T. Jaffin, Jr., W’64
Bozenda Jaffin
Steven J. Miller, C’74
Brianne L. Polito, C’10
Samuel K. Reznik, C’07
Sarah N. Roth
William A. Roth
Dana M. Rygwelski
Robert S. Sandler, W’52, parent
Frank A. Smith IV, C’11
Michael B. Turner, EE’89, W’89
Seana G. Turner, W’89
John J. Vosmek, Jr., C’61
Lucille H. Vosmek, CW’63, GED’64
2009 - 2010 Cheerleaders Supporting Penn Cheerleading
Monica K. Amoo-Achampong, C'12
Danielle L. Barth, NU'13
Dorcy Chen, C'13
Davin L. Chow, C'10
Jennifer M. Gamarra, C'12
Alexandra J. Gold, C'11
Jessica E. Heidenberg, C'11
Melissa P. Hershman, NU'10
Jasmine A. Hoskins, C'11
Sarah P. Huepenbecker, C'12
Current Parents Supporting
Penn Cheerleading
Harvey P. Gold, parent
Marianne J. Gold
Marcia H. Page
John E. Huepenbecker
Darel W. Knight
Ann K. Nakamoto
Thomas J. Orlando, PAR’14
Janet M. Orlando, PAR’14
Doreen S. Uyeda
Lynn Beasley Whye
Milford O. Whye
Esther Kim, C'12
Dacy C. Knight, C'11
Melissa A. Perez, C'12
Ruani D. Ribe, C'12
Lauren Rodriguez, C'13
Christian Simms, C'10
Nicole S. Thomas, C'12
Candace L. Whye, W'11
Kellee N. Young, C'11
Stephanie L. Yuhasz, EE'12, ENG'12

This is a draft honor

The Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics wishes to thank the
roll and we apologize
generous donors listed in this draft honor roll who have already made gifts to in advance for any
inadvertant errors or
mistakes. If an error
has been made
please contact
Joe Neary immediately
in the 2010 fiscal year which runs from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. at nearyjp@upenn.edu
THANK YOU! so it can be corrected.

Raised as of May 1st, 2010: To Go Before

$13,915 - 69.5% June 30th: $6,085
 Why give?
All of Penn’s varsity programs are funded by a mix of
departmental subsidy, alumni support, endowed funds and Quaker Classic
Competition Department Support
other revenue sources such as camps. The cheerleading 33% 34%

program is funded in a similar manner. We constitute our

annual budget from three nearly equal sources:
departmental subsidy, the proceeds from the Quaker Cheer
Classic we host every winter and through your personal
philanthropy.
Philanthropic Support
Without your support we would be unable to travel with 33%

our football and basketball teams, hold a team banquet,

recognize our student athletes for their achievement and service or provide the best cheerleading
experience in the Ivy League. While the subsidy from the department and the proceeds from host-
ing a succesful competition provide the basics that our team needs; it is your financial commitment
that makes our program top tier. This is why your participation in our annual fund, at any level, is
vital to the our continued development as a program.

Over the past 3 years we have increased our alumni participation rate from approxiately 5% to 9%.
But that still means that of our 300+ alumni; only approximately 25 members participate in our
annual fund. We encourage you to join the team and make a gift to the program today. We thank
you for your consideration and support!

What does your gift provide for Penn Cheerleading?

$25 Supplies one set of new poms
$50 Provides one pair of new cheer shoes
$75 Provides one set of practice uniforms
$150 Provides one new uniform
$250 Provides 2 hotel rooms on one away trip
$600 Sends two cheerleaders to preseason training camp
$750 Sends one cheerleader to College Nationals in Florida
$1,000 Provides for our end of year banquet and Senior recognition
$2,500 Covers all transportation expenses for football or basketball season
$7,500 would send the entire team to preseason training camp
$10,000 would give our mascot the new wardrobe he needs!
$20,000 would send the entire team to College Nationals

www.pennathletics.com/supportcheerleading
 Mentoring
Over the past 4 years many aspects of the program have undergone significant changes for the better. This year
we have begun to institute something brand new and have reached a point where your involvement is critical: a
mentoring program for our student athletes. Just as the other Varsity programs have done, Penn Cheerleading is
actively seeking the knowledge and wisdom of its’ alumni for the benefit of our current athletes. Afterall, our future
depends so heavily on their success.

Initially we would like to plan a small session in the Fall where team member can meet and learn from alumni from
varied professions as they begin to think about their post graduate plans. Rose Tricosky, C’86 has been sewing the
initial seeds seeking volunteers to help get this effort off the ground. If you are interested in serving as a mentor please
contact me and I will make sure you and Rose connect.

Listed below are the fields of study, desired careers, post baccalaureate education plans and areas our athletes feel
they need the most advice. If you feel you can be of service to our athletes, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What they Study: The careers they want:

International Relations
Systems Engineering
Health and Societies: International Health
Philsophy, Politics, Economics
Communications
Philosophy Politics & Economics
Psychology
Music
Communications and Gender, Culture
English & Political Science
Chemistry
History
Nursing
Urban Studies/Urban Education
Biology
Communications
Hispanic Studies
What they say they need
help on the most:
1) Jobs after college
2) Internships
3) Career networking
4) Interview skills
5) Resume preparation
Business
Medicine
Law
Broadcasting
Healthcare Ways you can help:
Real Estate
Marketing • Join PAMNet and connect with
Government our students online
Accounting www.pennathletics.com/mentoring
Hospitality
Education • Volunteer to serve one on one as
Clinical Psychology a mentor to one of our student
athletes
• Serve as a panelist during one of
Percentage of the team our mentoring sessions
thinking of persuing
• Actively communicate open
an advanced degree: internships and job opportunities
Graduate School 72% to our student athletes and alumni
Law School 33%
Medical/Dental School 22%
• Stay connected to the program
 2010 FALL CHEER Calendar
Please join us for the following
Fall Cheerleading Events 2010 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
October 16th Date Opponent Location
September 18 Lafayette Franklin Field
Family Weekend Reception September 25 Villanova @ Villanova, PA
Immediately following the Columbia Game October 2 Dartmouth Franklin Field
All friends, family and alumni are encouraged to attend! October 9 Bucknell @ Lewisburg, PA
October 16 Columbia Franklin Field
October 30th October 23 Yale @ New Haven, CT
Homecoming Reception October 30 Brown Franklin Field
November 6 Princeton @ Princeton, NJ
Class of 1986 25th Reunion November 13 Harvard Franklin Field
Immediately following the Brown Game November 20 Cornell @ Ithaca, NY

Penn Cheer Alumni we need you involved! We want you to be a part of our our season
by meeting us at games, visiting us on the sidelines, coming to our family weekend or
homecoming receptions, sending in old photos, hosting an event, sharing a story or even just
updating your email address.
Please email Coach Neary @ nearyjp@upenn.edu to stay connected!

Traditions

The cover (Left) of the 1925 Franklin Field Illustrated featured a

cheerleader in the standard white pants and sweater adorned
only with Red and Blue Stripes.

The photo above shows the team in their

“brand new blue slickers”.
 nearyjp@upenn.edu
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www.pennathletics.com/supportcheerleading
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