Ball State University junior Lauren McKibben remained focused as she stepped onto the hands of four male cheerleaders in the gymnastics room of Irving Gym Thursday night.
After the men helped toss her into the air, she flipped around, landing back into their arms to complete the basket toss with a smile.
Thursday was McKibben's third practice this week with Ball State's co-ed cheerleading squad, which plans to ride on a firetruck in today's Homecoming parade and participate in Ball State's football game against the University of Toledo. McKibben, who has been involved with Homecoming since her freshman year, said she looked forward to the day's festivities.
"The whole point of Homecoming is about the football game, but it's also about getting students involved," McKibben said. "That's our main goal, to try to get everyone involved - just yelling with us and supporting the team."
McKibben said the cheerleading squad does not treat the Homecoming game any differently than other games.
"We work just as hard for Homecoming as we do for any other game," she said.
That includes practicing pyramids, partner stunting, basket tosses and other activities the squad plans to do throughout the game. McKibben said she doesn't think many people are aware of how much time cheerleaders spend practicing.
"I don't think they're aware of it at all," she said. "I think they think it kind of happens overnight."
People have other misconceptions about what it takes to be a cheerleader as well, McKibben said.
"I think some people think that, to be on the co-ed cheerleading squad, you have to diet or have to be a certain size," she said. "I don't think that's necessarily true. I exercise and try to eat somewhat healthy for myself - to stay in shape."
McKibben said she looked forward to cheering at today's Homecoming game, which usually draws larger crowds than regular football games.
"The first game (of the year) and the Homecoming game are the ones that have the most energy and enthusiasm," McKibben said. "Toward the end of the semester, there are hardly any students and any fans to cheer to because, as the weather gets colder, students and fans don't come as much."
McKibben gets excited when the fans actually get involved with the squad's cheers, she said.
"It's harder in football," she said. "It's harder to get them more involved because they're farther away, and there are so many stands. It's
exciting when they yell with us and actually follow what we're doing - it's just an exciting moment."
McKibben's parents, who come to every football game, have supported her and the squad, she said. She also receives support from her 16-year-old sister, who cheers at Yorktown High School and also plans to try cheering at Ball State in the future.
"They support me in everything I do," McKibben said. "It's fun to look up (in the stands) - I don't know all the students, but I know my parents are there."
McKibben, who has been involved in cheerleading since sixth grade, said she has always embraced its challenges.
"Cheerleading is a challenge, and there's always something new," McKibben said. "It's always changing, and that's something I enjoy. It's just amazing; I just love doing it."
Junior Lindsay Griffith, who has been involved in Ball State cheerleading since she was a freshman, said she and McKibben have grown together throughout the past few years.
"We've gotten really close, and she's the first person as a freshman that I actually got to know," Griffith said. "She has a really positive attitude about everything. She's always supportive of everyone."
Freshman Jeff Neff, also a member of the squad, said he had known McKibben for about five years and stunted with her for two years while at Yorktown High School. McKibben, like all cheerleaders, plays an important role in this week's Homecoming festivities, he said.
"She's a good cheerleader," Neff said. "Cheerleaders bring a lot of spirit to the whole Homecoming. That's what it's all about, coming back and cheering on your team."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
