Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Williams is CMS's lone male cheerleader

Those went to any of the Gurdon Junior High Pep-Rally's or to any junior high football games, saw Gurdon's first male cheerleader, Timothy Williams.

Williams is a seventh grader at Cabe Middle School and is the son of Connie and Van Williams.

"I've enjoyed cheerleading ever since I was in kindergarten or first grade. I would go to the games and watch the cheerleaders instead of the players. Eventually I learned all of the cheers and was cheering along with them," said Williams.

He also said he was excited about trying out for next year's squad.

"One downside is when people think or talk negative about male cheerleaders, but I have learned to ignore it. At first it was hard to listen to, but the more support I got from family, friends, team members, and past cheerleader, the more confident I became. Besides this is something I have always wanted to do and I am not going to let that stop me," said Williams.

Summer camp was a major experience for all the new cheerleaders, but especially for Williams.

Because he the only male cheerleader on the squad, he had a room all to himself. It is also a rule that any squad having a male cheerleader cannot stay in the dorm rooms, but must rent hotel rooms.

Williams said it was fun and he learned a lot, but it was hard work.

"We would start practicing at about 7 a.m. each morning and stop at about 10 p.m. Then we would work as a squad on our routine we planned to do on fun day. We did a dance routine to the theme of Austin Powers. I, of course, was Austin Powers," said Williams.

The squad is preparing to start working on routines, cheers, and dances for regional competitions.

"There will be a mock regional competition day in November. We plan on attending so we will be prepared when regional's finally do roll around," said Williams.

According to Williams he has had an experience he wouldn't change for the world, but says he isn't sure if he has been an inspiration for any other boys to try out or not.