Shouting Praises for a Cheerleading Pioneer

Shouting Praise for a Cheerleading Pioneer The New York Times called Lawrence Herkimer the “Grandfather of Modern Cheerleading’. His contributions to the sport are unparalleled. Name another cheerleader who has a stunt named after them? Not only did he basically invent the modern version of cheerleading, he pioneered cheerleading camps, was the first to outfit squads with cheerleading uniforms and patented his signature ‘pom pons’. Herkimer first began his cheerleading career while attending Southern Methodist (SMU). During his time there, he not only invented the herkie, but increased his knowledge of cheerleading, in general. After graduating, Herkimer began teaching at his alma mater, SMU. During that time, Herkimer also continued fueling his passion for cheerleading. Herkie finally launched his first cheerleading camp in 1948 at what is now Sam Houston State . Although only 52 girls and 1 boy attended the first year, Herkie’s camps grew exponentially in the years that followed. Realizing he was making more money with cheerleading than he was as a teacher, Herkimer focused his attention towards pushing his patented “pom pons’ on a more permanent basis. “I was making more money in the summertime in camps than I was teaching all year at SMU,” remarked Herkie. “So I quit teaching and went full time into cheerleading. It grew by leaps and bounds.” By this time, Herkie had not only founded the National Cheerleaders Association, employing 1,500 cheerleading instructors each summer, but he also maintained his own Cheerleader Supply Company that outfitted cheerleading squads throughout the United States with their uniforms. With perfect timing and a popular product, Herkimer managed to parlay his companies into the first cheerleading empire, growing the sport’s popularity and developing its credibility. More currently, Herkimer lives in Aventura, Florida and unfortunately, no longer performs his signature “herkie’. In a New York Times article, Herkimer joked that “it takes a crane and piano wire to perform one now.” Even though his days of stunting may be over, Lawrence Herkimer’s contributions to cheerleading are unparalleled and will surely leave a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.