Engineering the Perfect Cheer: Meet Miami’s STEM Stunters
April 17, 2025 | Mandy Holliday
At Miami University, four male cheerleaders are proving that engineering and cheer have more in common than you’d think. Evan Conley, Bryan Dick, Gabe Gabrovsek, and Braden Cowger are the only male cheerleaders on the squad. And, are all students in the College of Engineering and Computing. In the classroom, they tackle complex engineering problems. And on the field, they apply those same analytical skills to mastering stunts. They use physics to perfect their lifts, tosses, and catches. With a unique blend of brain power and athleticism, they’re redefining what it means to be both engineers and athletes.
The Physics Behind Pom-Poms
Cheerleading may be about spirit, but for these engineers, it’s also about science. The laws of physics play a crucial role in every stunt. And, their engineering coursework gives them a unique advantage in executing and refining routines.
Gabe Gabrovsek explains how he applies mechanical principles to make his stunts more efficient: “One engineering concept that I apply to stunts is how to maximize force while minimizing the torque I’m feeling by keeping the flyer close to me when I’m tossing.” Understanding concepts like torque and force allows him to conserve energy while still delivering the power needed for high-flying stunts.
Bryan Dick also sees the direct connection between engineering and cheerleading. “Having an engineering background in cheer has helped me apply concepts such as force, velocity, and acceleration for both stunting and tumbling, especially when catching girls in a specific way so they don’t get hurt.” By recognizing how different forces interact, he and his teammates ensure their flyers remain safe and stable in midair.
Even in high-energy, game-day moments, these cheerleaders rely on engineering to break down the mechanics of each stunt. This shapes their technique. Their ability to apply classroom concepts in real-time not only strengthens their skills but also elevates the team’s overall performance.
A Squad of Like-Minded Lifters
When it comes to cheerleading, you need to have trust in your team. For this group, that trust is built on a shared way of thinking. Whether they’re perfecting a new stunt or strategizing their next move, they naturally break things down through an engineering lens.
“Being on a cheer team with all guy engineers has been a super unique experience,” Gabrovsek shares. “The way everyone analyzes stunts from a physics perspective has taught me so much, and I believe it has aided my progression a lot.” Instead of relying solely on muscle memory, they approach cheerleading like an engineering problem. They adjust angles, calculate force, and optimize their technique with every practice.
Dick agrees that their shared mindset brings an extra level of camaraderie to the squad. “Being a part of a cheer squad where the guys are all engineers is fun because we are all like-minded and can explain new concepts in an engineering and physics context.” Whether they’re troubleshooting a tricky stunt or just hyping each other up before a game, their bond goes beyond the mat.
But don’t be fooled—just because they can break down the mechanics of a basket toss doesn’t mean they don’t have fun. Between practices, games, and competitions, they’ve built a strong team culture that balances hard work with plenty of laughs. When they’re not defying gravity, they’re proving that engineers can bring just as much energy to the sidelines as they do to the classroom.
Defying Gravity—And Their Opponents
Cheerleading isn’t just about supporting the team on the sidelines—it’s also a competition in its own right. And for Miami’s male cheerleaders, that competitive spirit extends beyond game day traditions. One of Bryan’s favorite cheer moments comes not from a Miami victory, but from a showdown with the opposing team’s cheerleaders.
“One of my favorite memories from cheerleading is when we get together with the opposing team’s cheerleaders during a football game and have a ‘Cupie Contest,’ where every guy tries to hold his flier over his head, with one arm, as long as they can, and the last man standing wins,” he shares. The challenge is part endurance, part balance, and part sheer determination—an unofficial test of strength and stability among athletes who live for the thrill of competition.
It’s moments like these that remind the team why they love what they do. Whether they’re pulling off intricate stunts, breaking down techniques together, or squaring off in friendly rivalries, these guys bring the same energy to cheerleading that they do to engineering. Collaborative, strategic, and always ready for a challenge. At the end of the day, it’s not just about physics or perfecting the mechanics. It’s about the friendships they’ve built, the unforgettable memories made under the stadium lights, and the joy of throwing someone 15 feet in the air—just to catch them again.
