Did cheerleading originate in Minnesota as a male activity?

Although women account for about 85% of cheerleading participants, it began as a male activity, with Minnesota as its birthplace.

At least two sources credit University of Minnesota student Johnny Campbell with being the first cheerleader. On Nov. 2, 1898, he reportedly jumped out of the stands at a football game between the Golden Gophers and Northwestern University to lead his home crowd in a chant. 

Other students joined him, while other schools took notice. Seeing it as a way to energize crowds, cheerleaders – or “yell leaders,” as they were first called – organized on campuses across the country. Squads gradually incorporated signs, tumbles and stunts into on-field routines.

Women began joining cheer teams in the 1920s and 1930s. Their participation took off during World War II, when many men were away serving in the military, and has remained high in the decades since.