University at Albany cheerleaders deserve a lot of credit for having the gusto to perform during Saturday night’s college football game at the University of Idaho. It was a hostile environment at the Kibbie Dome but that didn’t stop them from powering through their routine!
As soon as it ended, a large number of Vandals fans ruthlessly booed the Great Danes’ performance.
While it might seem mean-spirited to boo the opposing cheer team, which has nothing to do with the actual game itself, it is rare that such a performance even takes place. Not often does the visiting school get to run through their routine at halftime on the road.
However, because the FCS Playoffs are technically an NCAA event, both sides are offered the opportunity to perform. UAlbany accepted the offer and dealt with the consequences— good or bad.
They packed up their bags and flew four hours west from upstate New York to Moscow, Idaho. For the school to send the entire cheer team is a pretty special thing to begin with. That doesn’t happen often!
Even though they were booed by the home fans at halftime, the Great Danes got the last laugh. The Vandals allowed 16 points during the fourth quarter, which ultimately ended their season with a loss.
UAlbany, a five-seed, advanced to the semifinals. It will face South Dakota State, the No. 1 team in the country, in Brookings on Friday night.
The cheer team, which was able to perform inside the warm dome on Saturday night, will be forced to brave the frigid temperatures of the Mount Rushmore State next weekend. Perhaps they will decline the opportunity to perform after being booed into oblivion in Idaho. It might be better that way.
Either way, credit to the University at Albany for being willing to perform in the first place!