Gavin Witherspoon grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, participating in many sports. After discovering gymnastics at a young age, he soon found out that it wasn't the sport for him. When he found out about all-star cheerleading, he was all in, and he had no idea where this experience would take him.
I have never seen a kid with as much grit and passion as he has when it comes to all-star cheerleading. He quite literally lives and breathes cheer. So much so that he listens to cheer music all the time whether at home or even in the car.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of his talent. Everything just came so easy for him and I wonder to myself every single day why I didn't have that when I was an athlete. Really anything Gavin puts his mind to, he's going to do anything and everything in his power to assure that he reaches that goal.
The ultimate goal for him is to be on a Worlds team before going to college or even in college. His dream team is 2x World Champions GymTyme Illinois Fever.
Being a week out from the annual showcase with his new gym, Gavin took the time to answer some questions about being a trailblazing male competitive cheerleader in the state of Wisconsin.
Q: Tell me all of the teams you have been on throughout your cheer career.
A: Senior 3 Coed, Senior 2, Junior 3, Junior 4, Senior 4.2 Coed, Senior 4 Coed, and Senior 5 Coed.
Q: What made you want to start cheering?
A: Gymnastics really was not for me. I only liked the floor aspect of the sport, I didn't really enjoy doing any of the other events. I just loved tumbling and flipping my body around.
Q: What are your thoughts on the stereotypes given to men in this sport?
A: I hate the stereotypes. They are all so dumb and some are so cruel. Just because a male does a different sport other than basketball or football, doesn't make them less masculine. If they enjoy what they do, then I don't really see the big deal.
Q: How do you combat the negativity? What's one way you stay positive about being in the sport?
A: I don't let it affect me. I stay positive by being myself and proving that I'm not weaker than others just because I do a different sport. Just prove you are better than the people who are trying to make a ride out of you.
Q: Do you think there are higher expectations for guys in cheer regarding their performance and image? Why do you think that?
A: Yes, there are so many expectations for guys. Guys are always said to be stronger than girls. Honestly, that isn't true because I see some girls who are so powerful and strong. I feel like that is really one of the only reasons why males are seen differently in the sport. But gender has nothing to do with it, it's showing your endurance and strength through the WHOLE routine. Yes guys can do crazy coed stunts, but who said that girls can't either?
Q: How do you motivate yourself to reach your goals? (Example: Stunting/Tumbling)
A: I give myself a pep talk and I tell myself before I try something new, "This is worlds, you can't mess up now. Just go for it, nothing hurts about trying something new. You'll get it eventually, just keep pushing."
Q: Advice for overcoming mental blocks?
A: A mental block is something serious but you have to tell yourself that you've done this before and you can't let your mind affect the way you perform your skills. Give yourself pep talks, and tell your mind to shut up and let it know you are better than this and no mental block will stop you from being amazing.
Q: Advice to guys wanting to join cheer but are scared of potentially being bullied or made fun of for it?
A: Just go for it. Nothing is worse than not trying at all. Don't listen to the bullies; Can they do the amount of skills you're performing? Probably not. Tell them to be quiet and let them know they can't make fun of you until they can stunt, tumble, and perform like you. That's it. Screw the bullies, they mean nothing and they will soon realize that they could never be like you.
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