As Chas stated in the previous post, the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Band contained several supporting troupes of baton twirlers, cheerleaders, and flag waivers. [Our favorite was the Bearcat dance team, which sported red and black plaid mini-skirts in the Catholic shoolgirl tradition – very nice.]

However, what stood out the most during the band’s halftime perfomance was the flag waivers. The Big Flag crew, usually the province of broad shouldered women, contained two MALE flag waivers.

I can describe their performance with three words: FAB – U – LOUS!

Most of the big flag girls red and black long sleve tops with black leotard type leggings, but not the boys. They had very tight red t-shirts on, with black slacks.

At first, we were all taken aback – was this a joke? Did they lose a bet?

Then, as the performance continued, we could all tell that his was no joke – these boys wanted to be flag boys, and their enthusiasm proved it to all who could see. Their steps were crisp; their smiles were wide, but not painted on; their moves were timely and bouncy; their posture ram-rod straight – these boys loved their job, and they wanted everyone to know about it.

In an age when gender barriers are falling in every field, it seemed as if the monopoly that females had on Big Flag waiving would be one of the last to fall – not at UC.

These boys stood proud – trailblazers, if you would – for the principle that boys AND girls can support their Bearcat band in any way they see fit. It’s as if they were proclaiming “Here I am, world! Look at ME! I’m happy about who I am.” Here’s to you, boys – you just keep on keepin’ on…