Pretty Little Hairdo, Don't Do What It Used To

This is the first edition in what will hopefully become a weekly feature here on Running Down a Dream called "Upon Further Review". Each week, I'll delve into a topic that has always bothered/confused me, and also integrate any possible suggestions that you, the readers, provide for discussion. If you would like to submit a topic, just leave it in the comment section or send me an email.

This week's topic: Competitive Cheerleading

(Disclaimer: I do not possess the requisite rhythm, flexibility, general sassiness, etc. that is necessary to become a successful member of a competitive cheer squad. Not that I would ever want to do such a thing, but some folks might. I am not denigrating it is a non-sport or as an undertaking that is not challenging. With that said, read ahead at your own risk.)

Maybe some of you have seen it on ESPN when you expected to see John Anderson and Scott Van Pelt on Sportscenter, others might have sat through Bring It On (certainly not I), and others might have small female relatives who are participants, but all of us have somehow become aware in the past few years of the phenomenon that is competitive cheerleading.

Competitive cheerleading has certainly become a underground sensation among hyper-active prepubescent females and their overeager parents. If that is what your child wants to do, I think that's great. I only have one problem. It needs a new name.

Why you might ask? Simple, it's not really cheerleading. Have you ever watched one of those competitions and thought, "Hey, that was a great routine. Go Baylor Bears!!!! Wooooooooooooo, Sic 'Em Bears. Rip out their intestines with your large claws, Bears!!!!!!!" (Note: no one actually says that last one here at Baylor. Well, as far as I know they don't.)

So, if it's not actually cheerleading, what is it? Dannastics (dancing/gymnastics)? I honestly have no idea on this one. If any of you have better suggestions, please feel free to offer your wisdom.