The sport of Cheerleading

I have somewhat mixed comments about cheerleading. I think that the physical requirements we meet such as practicing for hours upon hours each day, tumbling, stunts and many other things are what makes cheerleading a sport. But, I also think that cheerleaders go to extremes to please fans. I'm not sure how I can get my point across, but if you look at how cheerleaders were 10 years ago, and now, it is completely different. I have been in cheerleading for a long time, and have won many trophies, but now I am begginning to realize why we even do it. The people are watching the game, and during braks they are usually getting somthing at the concession stand, or are busy talking. Even though I consider myself a cheerleader, I consider myself more as an athlete. other then cheerleading I do basketball, track, swimming and tennis and if it weren't for us, you guys wouldn't have a sport. I know that may sound really bad, but I have seen cheerleaders with shirts saying "Play a REAL Sport; Be a cheerleader!" That is really discriminating to people who play other sports, because if it weren't for them cheerleaders wouldn't have anything to cheer abut and wouldn't have a sport. What I just said is putting me down, since I'm a cheerleader, but that is my honest opinion. I am going to quit cheerleading after this season, and I'm hoping to continue playing other sports. I'm not trying to put cheerleaders down, but I am mad at the lenghts we go to to please people. To me, it is absurd. Well, that's just my opinion. thanks,
Jessica