Varsity Briefcase Drill Team

The Varsity Briefcase Drill Team was a group of students and staff who performed a comedic dance routine using briefcases. They performed at many sports events and special occasions throughout the late 1980s.

History
In 1987, the administration of the university placed a renewed emphasis on invigorating the cheerleading at sports events.

A group of students felt that traditional cheerleaders did not properly reflect the university's spirit. The group decided that they would perform a choreographed dance using briefcases as props.

Briefcases were chosen after an article critical of UW's culture was published in 1985, in the Toronto Star. It had derisively dubbed UW 'the suitcase university'. With briefcases embodying the complaints raised by the article, the decision to adopt them was made.

The song their dance was choreographed to was "Nine to Five".

The Varsity Briefcase Drill Team made its debut by performing uninvited at the Naismith Classic basketball tournament on November 13, 1987.

"The crowd had never seen anything like it, but from the moment those six people entered that huge gym in formation, everybody got it. I think that's still the greatest thing about it. UW knew right away what the team represented: ourselves," - Linda Carson

Following that initial performance, the Varsity Briefcase Drill Team was invited to perform at many sports events and special occasions, including the opening of the Davis Centre. The group eventually died out as the members graduated.

Reunion
For the 40th anniversary of the university in 1997, the VBDT was invited back to perform as part of the festivities. They performed 7 more times during the festivities, including once at the SkyDome during the Vanier Cup.

Team Members
This table holds the names of known members of the VBDT.