University of Kentucky cheerleaders John and Josh Marsh (both graduates of Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee) garner their fair share of attention as they tumble down the length of the Rupp Arena court or the end zone of Commonwealth Stadium.
UK basketball and football fans have surely seen them defy gravity as they tumble in tandem. But there’s a another reason why they are so in sync with each other. They are brothers who spent much of their childhood outside of Atlanta training at their mother’s gym.
“Our mom is our biggest critic, but she’s also our biggest supporter,” said younger brother Joshua Marsh, a sophomore animal sciences major in a press release. “She was the one that was in the gym making sure we were doing all the exercise we needed to be doing — whether it was cheerleading or any sport.”
The Marsh brothers will be front and center this weekend as the squad tries to earn its 21st national championship at the Universal Cheer Association/Universal Dance Association (UCA/UDA) College Championships at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
That hard work paid off when older brother John Marsh landed a spot on the UK squad.
“Coming to UK was a dream of mine because UK Cheerleading is so huge in the cheer world” said John Marsh, a senior agricultural economics major, in a press release. “Since 1985 we’ve won 20 championships, so this was a no-brainer if you got the chance. I’m just glad I got the chance.”
A few years later, Josh decided to follow in this older brother’s footsteps.
“He showed me the ropes, and he showed me the things I needed to do so I can be at the top tier,” Josh said. “We always like to challenge each other and that’s awesome. Both of us being here has been a blessing and our parents love it. “
UK cheerleading Head Coach Jomo Thompson also appreciates the spirit and dedication they bring to practice day in and day out.
“Having John and Josh Marsh on the team is wonderful,” Thompson said in a release. “They are both so talented it is almost unfair. What makes it even more special is the work ethic and leadership they both exhibit.”
MORE: Photos: Woman, 85, gets her dream of cheerleading fulfilled.
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