Lawrence Herkimer

American cheerleader

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July 21, 2026

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Lawrence Herkimer was a pivotal figure in the development of modern cheerleading. He was a cheerleader himself at Southern Methodist University and went on to found the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in 1948. This organization was instrumental in formalizing cheerleading and establishing industry standards. Herkimer's contributions helped transform cheerleading from a simple sideline activity into a recognized sport with competitions and structured training programs. His work laid the foundation for the widespread popularity and athletic evolution of cheerleading in the United States and beyond.1

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cheerleading
The cheerleading renaissance
…“founding father” of that industry, Lawrence Herkimer, was himself a cheerleader at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1948 Herkimer started the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which is headquartered in Dallas, and the younger but larger Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) is based in Memphis.
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…“founding father” of that industry, Lawrence Herkimer, was himself a cheerleader at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1948 Herkimer started the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which is headquartered in Dallas, and the younger but larger Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) is based in Memphis.
Read More