By Caitlyn Morral
Contributing Writer
The women’s basketball team played and won against Davidson with a score of 72-56 on Saturday, Feb. 21. As usual, the university’s cheerleaders were present, but this time they were accompanied by another group of young girls.
The South Knight Cheerleaders of Olean had the opportunity to show off their talents at the game as a part of the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Day. St. Bonaventure integrated the team of girls into the program for this day of union between Olean and the university.
“We try to incorporate as much of the organization that we are doing the day for into the game,” Seth Johnson, director of marketing and promotions at St. Bonaventure, said.
The South Knight Cheerleaders cheered along the sidelines for the Bonnies. The young cheerleaders were also able to perform their own cheer and stunt routines. Ordinarily, the girls cheer for the South Youth football team.
In the past, two different young cheer teams have teamed with St. Bonaventure’s cheerleaders to show their Bonnie spirit. However, this was the first time that the girls, ages 8 to 11 years old, performed with the St. Bonaventure cheerleaders. They cheered alongside Marisa Burrows, their coach and a St. Bonaventure cheerleader.
“This was a huge deal for them because their only other big event is the cheerleading competition in October,” Burrows said. “This is also a first for the program. It was the first time the girls were allowed to perform anywhere besides football games or competition. They haven’t practiced since October.”
Burrows has coached the team for three years. She also said that the group of girls learned their routine just one day before the game.
Community is an important aspect of St. Bonaventure. Connecting the town of Olean and the South Knight Cheerleaders with the school brought a sense of togetherness.
morralce14@bonaventure.edu
