Cheer and Song have 'morphed'; Squads depend on strong leadership

In the cheer world of the 21st century it is not only the jumps and cartwheels that entertain, it is now high kicks, clever dance moves and the swish of pom-poms, which are reminiscent of the days when schools boasted both cheerleaders and songleaders.

The first songleader squad at Fallbrook High performed during the 1947-1948 school year. It consisted of three members, one of whom was Marion Pearson McLean, who recalls wearing her uniform to school on game days, a tradition that has continued to this day. However, the 2005 cheerleaders wear matching skirts and shirts to school and save their...