As cheerleading continues to morph into a more athletic and Prom Dresses sport, many alums say the real goal--trying to fire up the crowd to influence the outcome of the game--has been unnecessarily obscured. George Henderson, a 66-year-old alumnus of San Jose State who spent years as a professional cheerleader, said he's known for bringing the crowd to such a high volume that the opposing team's quarterback can't call audibles. "I carry a drum, I roam Beaded One Shoulder Short Graducation Dress the stands, I threaten people lives, and I watch the game intensely, leading cheers that are appropriate at the right time," said Mr. Henderson, who is better known on campus as "Krazy George."

Across the country, "mature" cheerleaders are popping up in new places. NBA teams including the New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat have recently launched "senior dance teams" that routinely get Beaded Strapless Bowknot Ball Gown ovations for routines set to hip-hop music. "Sometimes they go out and have a brain freeze--but they're probably more angry at themselves than we are at them for messing up," said Petra Pope, the Nets' vice president of entertainment and event marketing. When one of these performers messes up, they're not subjected to the same punishments as younger performers. "We don't make them give us 20 push-ups," Ms. Pope said.

In some cases, older cheerleaders say their appearances at homecoming can produce some unexpected benefits. At a recent homecoming game at Georgia, the 88-year-old Mr. Beall said he was Beaded Sweetheart Neck Floor Length Prom Dress his own business, strolling around with his family in the now-snug-fitting cheerleading outfit he wore in 1942, when out of nowhere two young female tailgaters in "pretty short shorts" pushed his son and grandson aside and ambushed him with kisses all over his head and neck.