212 Athletics Spirit Through Time The Harding cheer team wears retired uniforms for the Halloween game. For the Harding cheerleading team, the 2024 Halloween game wasn’t just another chance to rally school spirit, but rather a celebration of history. Each cheerleader stepped onto the field in a different uniform pulled from Harding’s cheer closet, showcasing designs from decades past. The mix of vintage and modern styles honored Harding’s rich traditions and gave both the team and the crowd a chance to reflect on the legacy of Harding cheerleaders. Sophomore Emma Edmunson shared how special it felt to wear one of the historical uniforms. “Because I started Harding during the University’s hundredth year, I have always appreciated the importance of HU’s history,” Edmunson said. “When I put on the throwback or ‘retired’ uniform, it felt special to me because my mind immediately went to all of the women who had worn the uniform before me.” The idea for the throwback uniforms began when the team and their coach were planning their outfits for the Halloween game. Captain of the team, senior Brenna Fuller, recalled how the idea came to life. “While discussing what to wear, our coach suggested wearing vintage uniforms from previous years,” Fuller said. “As we sorted out who would wear which uniform, many of us discovered the names of alumni on the tags names of our moms, their friends and family members who had cheered at Harding in the past.” For some members of the team, the experience became deeply personal. “One of the girls on our team [whose] mom was a Harding cheerleader . . . got to wear one of the uniforms her mom wore,” freshman Makenlie Rodgers said. “It was so neat to see that happen and to get to see the picture comparison of them both.” Rodgers reflected on the meaning behind the event and its connection to Harding’s legacy. “It makes you feel connected to Harding, to how it was in the past year and . . . with the girls who wore these uniforms,” Rodgers said. Each cheerleader had a favorite uniform, whether it stood out to them for its design or sentimental value. Fuller said her favorite was the one she wore for the game. “I remember when I first came to Harding as a freshman; I was looking through the Harding cheer social media, and it was one of the first unifors I noticed,” she said. The vintage uniforms also resonated with the crowd, especially alumni. “I think it showed the importance of tradition and honoring the women who came before me,” Edmunson said. “I love that [Sophomore] Annie [Watson] wore the same uniform her mom did when she cheered at Harding. All of us got really positive reactions from the crowd and Harding parents who recognized the uniforms.” Rodgers agreed, noting how the moment stirred memories for fans. “I think the reactions were shocking but also very sentimental,” Rodgers said. “Some of these people had never seen those uniforms, so I think it was a full circle moment getting to see us wearing uniforms Harding had previously worn.” By combining history and spirit, the cheerleading team created a memorable tribute to Harding’s traditions. These uniforms were more than just outfits; they were a tangible reminder of the generations of women who paved the way and a celebration of the legacy the team became a part of. Written by Aja Griffin LET’S GO During a cheer, sophomores Emmi Calloway and Lily James and freshman Elisabeth Chitty encourage viewers in the stands. For the home game on Oct. 31, the cheerleaders wore retired uniforms in an eclectic mix. Photo by Abigail Callicoat
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