Cheerleading Cost Cuts

As the economic climate is at a low people are struggling to maintain their jobs, business feel the pressure and Universities are drastically cutting back on programs. Many Hawaii Pacific University students are feeling the economic downturn and having difficulty maintaining their positions in athletic groups. HPU has felt the punch of the economic climate and have had to make decisions to cut funding in many of their athletic departments. One that was hit with the blow was the successful Spirit program. The programs allow hundreds of students to compete nationwide in Cheer, Dance and Spirit Club. Although as a result of the cutbacks will see many students’ scholarships decreased.

Cheer Coach Garrin Gosnell said that the Spirit Programs have felt previously had funding reduced and believes this will not affect performance or student enrolment figures in the future. “Cheer, Dance and Spirit Club are not immune to budget cut-backs,” Coach Gosnell added “The University has experienced the effects of the current economic climate and has made budgetary adjustments like most other businesses/organizations.”
Cheerleading flyer, Danielle Diprima said her reason for attending the HPU was the Cheerleading program. Although as a result of the current economic climate and HPU to cut costs in there Cheer program, Miss Diprima will be reconsidering her involvement like many other students. “Cheerleaders won't be able to afford to come to HPU and pay for the sport fees.” Diprima opposed the cut backs and said that the lack of funding will drastically affect her time at HPU, “we have to pay for our flight and competition fees and those are really expensive.”

Danielle Diprima resists the cut backs as she believes that the funding is one of the mains reasons to attract nationwide talent, “that is the main source in getting new students to HPU.” Diprima added that that too was her reason to attend HPU, “Of course the main reason I’m here is because my cheer scholarship if they didn't offer it I wouldn't be here.” The lack of funding would drastically affect the young athletes as it is not a cheap sport and Diprima informed that “we have many shows and perform a lot throughout the year” they all add up to an expensive exercise.

Gosnell oppose any ideas that the cheer program will be affected as a result of the funding. “In light of these changes, the integrity and strength of the teams remains the same. We still have the same goals, dedication, and work ethic and continue to represent HPU with the utmost sincerity and pride.”