Last 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 Alexa Grillis about her future in the legal profession and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.
You were born/raised in Ohio: what made you choose Ohio University? I have had multiple family members attend Ohio University, and as I visited over the years I fell in love with Athens and OU’s beautiful campus. The journalism school is great too.
You did competitive cheerleading for 9 years before college and have been on your college cheer team for 3 years: what is your favorite part of being a cheerleader? My favorite part of being a cheerleader is the athletic discipline and teamwork involved. Cheerleading requires tremendous trust: it entails literally putting your life in your stunt partner’s hands. Personal discipline is also essential for success so it keeps me motivated. While some think of cheerleading as just an accessory to another sport, it is much more than that to us cheerleaders.
What does the cheer team do at basketball games during a normal year? In a normal year the cheer team is very involved and busy during basketball games. There are multiple opportunities for us throughout games to do tumbling, partner stunts, and team mounts. While the game is being played we cheer on the team loudly from behind the hoop. During almost every timeout we go out onto the court and put up team mounts. These include most team members putting together a pyramid. The girls are required to tumble out onto the court and then tumble back to the sideline at the conclusion of the timeout. For every foul shot our team makes, the girls do a standing tuck (standing back flip) which often amounts to a large number in the end. We run out with the team at the beginning of the games and the boys wave OHIO flags. We are constantly moving and/or yelling the whole game.
What do you think the role of a college cheer team is today, and how has it changed over time? I think the role of the college cheer team has moved away from being just something pretty to look at and toward an athletic team with real entertainment value. Although cheerleading is still looked at by some as pretty girls in skirts, it has morphed into something that takes talent and athletic rigor. College cheer teams provide other athletes encouragement in their games, while also giving fans entertainment during breaks and adding to the gameday experience.
You are a senior studying journalism strategic communication with a minor in political science: why did you pick those subjects? I chose to study journalism and political science because I have always been interested in writing and the current political happenings.
You will be attending Indiana University Bloomington Maurer School of Law next fall: why did you choose law, and what is the post-law school plan? I chose law because I see its impact and importance increasing every day. I keep up with politics and happenings of the court, and it is something that I truly enjoy. Post-law school, I hope to be possibly working in government.
How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? I was not the biggest basketball fan before coming to college but the sport has really grown on me. Being at every home game and being so close to the team was an awesome experience and made me appreciate the sport more.
Last Saturday the Bobcats had a 15-PT win over Buffalo in the MAC tourney title game: how excited was the student body after the win to give you your 1st NCAA tourney appearance since 2012? The win was very exciting for the student body and it is special to be an OU student right now. Everyone is really excited and looking forward to cheering on the Bobcats on Saturday!
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 cheerleader for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is extremely frustrating being unable to cheer at the games during this time, especially as a senior. Missing out on this season and watching from home has been disheartening and difficult, especially when you are used to being at every game. The fact that our team is in the NCAA Tournament this year makes it even more frustrating, but we are so proud of the team and continue to cheer them on from home.
You are playing defending champion Virginia on Saturday: any predictions? Hoping to see a Bobcat upset!