By Mario Martinez –
This semester, you might hear “We are the Gothic Knights, the mighty, mighty Gothic Knights!” (Clap! Clap! Clap!) around campus and at sporting events from New Jersey City University’s new cheerleading squad for the first time in over a decade.
Being cut from the school’s budget along with the football program in 2002, NJCU has brought back cheerleading as a co-ed club that will be performing at women’s volleyball games, men’s basketball games and other sporting events throughout the year.
Now being offered as one of NJCU’s extra-curricular activities, cheerleading is back in action to put some pep in your step and raise your school spirit. The newly reformed team practiced their splits, flips and pyramids all summer long at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center’s gymnasium and debuted the squad at the East Orange Memorial Day parade.
With brand new uniforms that show off the University’s token green and gold colors, the 2013-2014 NJCU cheerleading squad will be reviving a tradition that is truly a badge of honor.
Carolyn Jane Scott was inducted into the NCJU Hall of Fame in 1982 for her 22 years of service as a faculty advisor and for being the coach of the Jersey City State cheerleaders. She won the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Championship in 1961 and 1964. Her squad also finished second in 1963, 1965, 1966 and 1967.
With the resurrection of the club, the legacy of NJCU cheerleading is once again rekindled.