University of Virginia Library

Letters To The Editor

Wahoo Cheerleaders Second Rate

Virginia has come a long way, it
seems, since last year's Cagers went
10-15. We have a nationally
recognized team, ACC atmosphere,
and even the pep band is coming
through. In light of this, it remains
puzzling that our cheerleaders
continue their somewhat bland
performances. In the few years that
we have had female cheerleaders, I
have yet to see them run a
successful routine to music. In a
conference where a cheerleader is
supposed to be more than simply
attractive and energetic, we seem
destined for a second division
finish.

From what I have heard, tryouts
were held, and many applicants
showed up, yet none were selected
because of their first year status. It
would seem that first year girls
would be the best choice, allowing
them to accumulate some degree of
experience.

In light of performances by such
cheerleading crews as UNC and
Duke, it seems quite evident that
some improvement is due.

* * *

While enjoying my evening
repast among my fellow gourmets
in the delightful atmosphere of
Open Square, Mr. Fontana's
intimate and noteworthy hostelry,
my study of entomology was
invaluably enhanced by a small
visitor whose distinguished
ancestors have graced many a fine
American household. Lo, Sir! From
beneath my plate emerged Blatella
germanica i.e. common cockroach),
a reputed hanger-on at the Corner,
who by some strange omission
appeared as guest rather than meal.

I regret to inform you, Sir, that
this fine fellow, alas, fell victim to
my thumb. My sorrow would be
unbearable but for my certainty
that I may look forward to meeting
the rest of his family in the very
near future so that I might convey
my deepest and heartfelt
condolences at his sudden and
unexpected passing.

* * *

I think that the reason which
Mr. Shannon gave as to why the
amphitheatre is not used for
producing Greek plays (that
airplane noise would interfere) is a
very weak one. To tell the truth, I
hadn't noticed that it was any more
noisy in the neighborhood of the
amphitheatre than anywhere else in
Charlottesville. Planes do
occasionally fly over, but surely not
often enough to spoil a whole Greek
play.

There are better objections
perhaps to using the amphitheatre
for plays, but Mr. Shannon (as
reported in the C.D.) did not raise
them. In my opinion an occasional
Greek play would be a very good
thing, and I see no reason why the
faculty could not continue to use
the area around the amphitheatre
for parking their cars when no play
was being given.