Ball State University - Orient Yearbook (Muncie, IN)

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Rocky Rothrock Supported by her male cheerleading partner, Theresa Snider raises her arms as well as the crowd’s spirits at a men’s basketball game. Encouraging the team and rousing the crowd were the most im- portant functions of the 12 cheerleaders. Ar Rocky Rothrock PreciS@€ movements and sharp, clear cheers make for a superb cheerleading squad, as the members of the Cardinal squad demonstrate. Their precision led to nation-wide honor and 16th place in the National Cheerleading Association finals in Orlando, Fla. Rocky Rothrock The agony of defeat, if only temporary defeat, can be seen in Todd Falk’s posture. Team support was much more than justa superficial duty for the basketball cheerleaders, who put countless hours and endless energy into their cheering. Gueerlesdereee r(

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Airbound cheerleader Wendy Spegal performs a lofty somersault as co- cheerleaders Todd Falk and Mick Wright prepare to provide a stable lan- ding. The Cardinal squad displayed a variety of traditional as well as in- genious stunts. 26 cheerleaders eAndrew Johnston Practice In precision Cheerleaders’ work pays off in national ranking eby Robin Jo Millse The university’s cheerleading squad was one of 20 selected to compete in the National Cheerleading Association finals. The group’s journey began with a three minute video tape and ended with a l6th place finish among the country’s finest cheerleading squads. The schools that participated in the competition were selected from nearly 100 entries. Each of the universities submitted a tape of cheerleaders per- forming their routine, incorporating dance, tumbling, stunts and a cheer. The squad began practice and train- ing in September. The members generally practiced twice a week for cheering at games, according to Speedway junior Sherri Cork. However, in preparation for the NCA finals, practice time was increased greatly. “After we found out we made the finals, we practiced every day but Wednesday,” Cork said. The practices ran three hours through the week, —d = Se eAndrew Johnston five hours Friday evenings and eight hours on Sundays. Besides practicing their routine, the cheerleaders had heavy workouts. Daily training sessions included runn- ing, aerobics, push-ups and sit-ups, according to Kokomo junior Eric Clouser. “We were really working for endurance,” Clouser said. “Three minutes doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you are doing gym- nastics and stunts, it’s a long time.” The squad’s routine consisted of one cheer, gymnastics, stunts, four pyramids and dancing. The program was choreographed to the songs “Oh, Sheila,” “Hungry Eyes,” and “You Spin Me Around.” After four long months of practice, the cheerleaders headed south to Orlando, Fla., to face their com- petitors. The preliminaries were held Jan. 5, in an outdoor arena at the EPCOT Center. An estimated 4,500 spectators looked on as the 20 squads performed in the first round. The first portion of the competition comprised 25 percent of the squads’ final scores. “It covered technique in building pyramids, stunts and safety,” Clouser said. In the finals, held at the Orange County Civic Center, the squads were judged on choreography, tumbling, personality and overall performance. This portion of the competition was worth 75 percent of the final score. The team’s months of hard work and sacrifice paid off as the squad placed 16th among college cheerleaders in the United States. Cork said, although the members of the squad got on each other's nerves after long hours together, they also got really close. Clouser also felt the time and effort were woth the results. “It was exciting and fun,” Clouser said. “We were treated like celebrities when we were there. We've already started working for next year.” @

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Common goal to meet the test 18 of 140 emerge victorious from Pom tryouts 28+Pompon Tryouts eby Janie Tuttlee A cool, rainy September evening may have dulled the early autumn sky, but it did not dull the nervous energy and enthusiasm of about 140 Ball State women on the first night of pompon tryouts. The women spread themselves out along the edges of University Gym’s floor, stretching and warming themselves up for two hours of strenuous practice. They sat in tight, chattering groups, some telling of be- ing talked into trying out, others tell- ing how they had wanted to all their lives. Echoed giggles bounced like basket- balls around the gymnasium as pig- tailed students nervously awaited the start of this tedious, three-day vigil. Some were short, some tall, some thin, some muscular, but all shared a common interest; being chosen a member of the pompon squad would be a highlight of their college careers. This goal would be realized upon successful completion of the tryout period. Each girl was required to learn a common routine taught during only four hours of group practice, as well as create their own 32-count routine to the Ball State fight song. Two ma- jor requirements seemed easy enough, but the routines were tough, com- plicated and physically tiring. The first day of practice, the can- didates entered the gym stiff with ner- vousness. But, with a little welcoming and lots of pep, the former squad cap- tains loosened them up. The captains explained the duties of the squad, making games and other events look glamorous. Judy Abrahamson, the squad’s coordinator, gave the girls possibilities to consider. Of over 100 candidates, only 18 would be chosen (14 regular members and four alternates). Judging was bas- ed on eye contact, facial expression, enthusiasm and overall appearance. Fast learning counted for first cuts, but creativity was stressed for second cuts. The women were shown an entire routine by two squad members. The speed and complexity of movements was incredibly confusing to those with little knowledge of dance, and somehow, in four hours each girl would have to perfect a routine without individual help. Several of the women had obvious- ly danced before. They moved with snap and finesse. Yet an atmosphere of comraderie prevailed as each woman encouraged others through rough spots in the routine. These women weren't chosen for their Barbie-doll faces or innocent smiles, but for the ability to learn, commit- ment and precision. On the second night's practice, tremendous progress had been made. Although some had dropped out, the remaining group put the pieces together. Abby Lane, Richmond junior, almost dropped out but after talking with friends decided, “What the heck. Maybe I can just concen- trate on smiling and shaking my bootie for the judges.” The 47 women on hand for the se- cond practice had their work cut out for them. Before tryouts began, the re- maining candidates practiced together with impressive precision. Cari Brown, Valparaiso junior, was trying out for the third year. “It all gets a lit- tle monotonous and tiring after a while,” she said, but she couldn't hide the excitement of the evening’s trials. The first phase of tryouts had shown the women in individual routines, but this cut placed the women in groups of four to perform the same routine. The first cut was a tough decision; each competitor per- formed skillfully. “When | first saw the routine we'd have to learn I couldn’t believe it,” Valparaiso freshman Deena Eckert said during a break. “] thought there was no way | could learn it, and a lot of girls dropped out. But when I did it for the judges, it was easy because | could ham it up.” The judges made a small cut of seven. Then the second phase began. Each woman performed her in- dividually designed routine as her private “fan club” cheered her on. The judges made the hard choices after a group consultation. The waiting period for the final cut was over 30 minutes, insuring an increase in nervous anticipation. When the decision finally came, 18 girls were chosen, and emotions, of course were mixed. Eckert didn’t make the squad but said, “I tried my best and that’s all | can do.” Lynn Gilbride, Carmel junior, showed that even previous winners were nervous. Chosen for the second year, she said, “I couldn't believe they called my name, and I had to hear it again before I did.” Amidst squeals and tears, spec- tators’ applause both congratulated and consoled. The mix of emotions split the atmosphere like lightning through the sky. And with that, the pompon squad was born.@