National Cheerleaders Association

The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) has just published its first Sports Injury Study online. The goal of the study is to show the safety in cheerleading as well as address the media’s misinterpretations of the athleticism of cheerleading.

Known as the Father of Modern Cheerleading, Herkimer is the Founder of the National Cheerleaders Association, which held the first organized cheerleading camp in Huntsville, Texas in 1948. Herkimer founded the first ready-made uniform company, Cheerleader Supply Company, in the early 1950s to meet the uniform needs o...f cheerleaders across the country (currently known as Cheerleader&DanzTeam). Herkie created the Pom Pon in the mid 1950’s and held the patent for the stick with colored paper designed to attract the attention of fans in the stands and to be more visible on the newly introduced “color” television. The Spirit Stick was developed in the late 1950s as a reminder to teams of the importance of positive attitudes, leadership, supporting their school teams and leading the fans in the stands, and is still the most cherished award in cheerleading today. Herkimer performed the “Herkie” jump (his signature jump while a cheerleader at SMU in the 1940’s) which became the most popular jump for cheerleaders nationwide and is still performed around the world today. Now known as NDA (National Dance Alliance), the dance company was formed in 1976 when the decision was made to separate dance teams from cheer teams at camps, and to devote much deserved attention to dance teams across the country. Herkimer is the author of several books and is the subject of hundreds of print articles and television interviews. His latest interview/pictorial was for the front page of the Sports Section of the New York Times. Since retirement, Herkimer has continued with his numerous philanthropic interests. In recent years he relocated to south Florida where he enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife, Vera. Herkie remains involved with NCA and NDA through speaking engagements and by making appearances at National Championships. He will always be revered and loved by cheerleaders, coaches and former NCA and NDA Instructors nationwide.