On Saturday Ohio beat Buffalo by 15 PTS in the MAC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bobcats started 3-4 in conference play but have won 9 of their past 10 games to claim the school’s 1st NCAA tourney bid since 2012. In addition to shining a light on the players who got the job done on the court, it is also important to recognize the spirited students who have worked just as hard on the sidelines, such as band members/cheerleaders/dancers. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Aimee Gjurkovitsch about being a dancer and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.
What made you choose Ohio? Being from Ohio I always heard a lot of good things about the school. There are a lot of good campus organizations to get involved with and I just fell in love with the campus when I visited.
You have been on the dance team 4 years: how does dancing as a freshman compare to dancing as a senior (if at all)? With each game you get more comfortable: I was more intimidated as a freshman but have become more confident as a senior, especially with sideline dances.
You have been a captain for 3 of those years: how do you like being a captain, and what is the key to being a good leader? I have grown as a leader and have loved being a captain and seeing the growth within myself. We are a student-led organization so I run practice and make sure that everyone is in the same place at the same time. I am very thankful for the opportunity.
What does the dance team do at basketball games during a normal year? We would create a tunnel when the team runs out and then are just dancing/cheering on the team to get the crowd into the game.
What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? The current role is to create a fun/interactive environment for the crowd. We are essential to game-day preparation and have a huge role: if we were not there then it would be very different. Dance teams have not always been a known aspect but have gotten more recognition over time.
You are a communications major in the Scripps College of Communication and marketing minor: why did you pick those subjects, and what is the post-graduation plan? OU is known for its communication school. I did not have a set career path when arriving here but just found a route into PR/advertising. I will also be getting a certificate in social media and am currently searching for a job.
How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? It is my favorite sport: growing up near Cleveland when LeBron was there was fun. I love being able to dance on the court at the games.
Last Saturday the Bobcats had a 15-PT win over Buffalo in the MAC tourney title game: how excited was the student body to received its 1st NCAA tourney bid since 2012? It has been awesome! Even people who did not go to games in the past have shown their support.
Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is really upsetting but it is nobody’s fault. It is hard, especially since I am a senior and this is my last chance, but we are still happy/excited for the team. We filmed some pre-recorded halftime routines that were shown at the MAC tourney.
You are playing defending champion Virginia on Saturday: any predictions? All I will say is Go Bobcats!