FROM PLAYER TO CHEERLEADER

[ladyliondad14]

Casey Packwood a 6 foot, 2 year starter, a Junior from Frank Hughes puts away her shorts and hightops and picks up cheerleader pompoms. What's everyone's thoughts on this? Was it a decision that could cost her a scholarship and how bad will it hurt the Lady Lions' chances to climp their way out of the gutter. She will be replaces by a biger and stronger yet slower Linberry. She's a very good rebounder and I believe will give us more second chance points and will get lots of rebounds on defence which will keep opisition points off the scoreboard. That is if she can stop making the silly fouls and stay in the game. That is what I think will be the biggest hurt for the team, the absence of a second big girl in the middle will be a killer.

[o21putt]

Most teams don't have the first big girl in the middle. It is her decision and good for her. There are other things in life besides basketball. Maybe she got tired of getting beat up physical and listening to all of the goop from so called experts.

[pistachio]

Hopefully she can climp her way over defence to a scholarship in cheerleading since there is not as much opisition for biger girls.

[redbirdfan]

Hopefully she can climp her way over defence to a scholarship in cheerleading since there is not as much opisition for biger girls.

 

 

Cheerleaders work hard and practice too Those squads should have higher pyramids with the taller cheerleader now, so you have to look at it in a positive light

[natalie#25]

Kasey has always been a good player.... although her work ethic and mindset were always in question (this cost her a stable starting position her Freshman year) her ability was not. Realistically a scholarship was never an issue for her for basketball, not because lack of ability, but because of lack of effort. She was never completely happy playing basketball and this led to her decision to do what she has done ever since I can remember (even when she was in elementary school)....cheerleading. She made a choice for herself and chose to do what she thought was best and what she knew would make her happy.... I think we should support her in her decision rather than dwelling on 'what could have been' and what was lost and concentrate on what is in ahead. Hopefully with a new coach and a new system things will improve for the Lady Lions.

 

I love you Kasey..... I know I corrupted you but you never objected!!! MUAH!!!

[ladyliondad14]

Please, don't get me wrong, if Casey is without a doubt happier cheerleading instead of playing ball then I support her 100%. Casey is almost like another daughter to me and I love her to death. Natalie, you are so right about the effort thing, which makes me wonder if the effort that it takes to excell in basketball is the main reason for not playing. She told me one day a few weeks ago that she will probably play again next year which again concerns me because if she doesn't like to play why would she be planning to next season and if she decides to take basketball to the next level then that will probably require even more effort to catch up because she lost a year that could help her grow and mature in the game. And Casey you know I love you and I care about you and I really love watching you play but if I didn't give you a hard time and tease you about you being a cheerleader you'd probably think I didn't love you...lol. But the bottom line is you do what you really want to do in your heart and just keep on smiling when I give you a hard time and don't take it to heart, you know how I'm a nut for the game.

 

P.S.

#13 and #14, if yall even look at a set of pompoms I'll kick you out...lol.

Just kidding, daddy loves you both very much and I'm very proud of both of you. But I will ground you until your 30. And I'm proud of you too Casey...Yeh Team!

[bucdaddio]

My daughter brought home a cheerleading signup sheet once, when she was about 6 0r 7, and my wife forbid her to ever bring home another piece of sacriligous paraphenalia. Just kidding, but she has been happy as an athlete ever since.

 

Cheerleaders tend to be looked at worse by female athletes. For one thing, as I have also observed, a female athlete hates to be playing their heart out and look over and see a bunch of cheerleaders oblivious to the game and what's going on in it. Not all cheerleaders are like that, but look around next game, you'll see some. Also, I like the values that sports teach as opposed to cheerleading. Things like being tough, standing up for yourself, being assertive, and pushing yourself to the limit. Cheering can promote these, too, but look at the statistics after they're grown, and athletes are better prepared to take care of themselves.

 

I'm not trying to promote an argument of b-ball vs. cheerleading, because everyone has their own preferences and their own reasons. These are just my personal opinions. If this girl wants to cheer instead of play, then that's absolutely what she should do, and I wish her the best.

[sqhs15]

My daughter brought home a cheerleading signup sheet once, when she was about 6 0r 7, and my wife forbid her to ever bring home another piece of sacriligous paraphenalia. Just kidding, but she has been happy as an athlete ever since.

 

Cheerleaders tend to be looked at worse by female athletes. For one thing, as I have also observed, a female athlete hates to be playing their heart out and look over and see a bunch of cheerleaders oblivious to the game and what's going on in it. Not all cheerleaders are like that, but look around next game, you'll see some. Also, I like the values that sports teach as opposed to cheerleading. Things like being tough, standing up for yourself, being assertive, and pushing yourself to the limit. Cheering can promote these, too, but look at the statistics after they're grown, and athletes are better prepared to take care of themselves.

 

I'm not trying to promote an argument of b-ball vs. cheerleading, because everyone has their own preferences and their own reasons. These are just my personal opinions. If this girl wants to cheer instead of play, then that's absolutely what she should do, and I wish her the best.

 

 

i did almost the same thing in middle school> i was given a hard time but in the end cheerleading was what i wanted to do...at the time.....but as i got into high school i was drawn towards basketball again....so i think given time she will ultimately do wat she wants to do weather its in a skirt or i some high tops! and good for her for doing wat she wants not wats a popular opinion of wat she should do!! way to go~

[powerplay]

Sounds like this young lady has the self esteem and good old fashion back bone to stand on her own! I say Job Well Done to both her and her parents! I thought these qualities were two of the more important ones that are being taught in all sports (including cheerleading) these days.

Edited November 2, 2005 by powerplay

[VOREBS]

You are correct powerplay, it seems that this young lady made a choice, and while it may not be what some wanted her to do, if it is best for her, more power to her. We have all seen the parents who PUSH kids to play ball, even when the child does not really want to play. I guess they are attempting to get the glory days back by using their kids. It does not seem like that is the case with this young lady's parents, and for that they should be commended. Remember, your kids are only kids once, let them be happy. I am a big basketball fan, and can understand why people with connections to the team she played for would be upset, but again if this is her choice, and she is happier cherrleading, good for her.

[BigReno]

Get off her! She can make any decision she wants!

[philip2003]

If the girls wishes to cheer let her. I think this is something that will help her more in life than basketball. Making your own decisions are very tough and if this works out great then she will be happy but if it flops she might still be happy. Either way I'm glad to hear that there are still high school players who are trying to make the best decisions in their situations.