Last week Arkansas lost to Mississippi 83-80 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Razorbacks started 0-5 in conference play but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 4th time in the past 5 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arkansas dancer Ryan Crockett about having a new basketball coach and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Jackson, MS: what made you choose Arkansas? For as long as I can remember, I have been dancing. I am classically trained in ballet so I spent most of my time training/performing: I could not imagine a life without dance. I knew I wanted to go to college and needed a school that would provide a strong education to prepare me for chiropractic school after earning my bachelor’s degree. I also wanted a school where I could continue my dance career. I tried out for the Razorback Dance Team and made it, even though I had never used poms before. The university also offered the exercise science major I was looking for. After making the dance team, I knew that Arkansas was the place for me.
You are majoring in Exercise Science: how did you choose that subject? I have always been interested in holistic medicine, specifically chiropractic care. I knew that exercise science as a major would prepare me for the intensity of chiropractic school.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I plan to attend Parker University in Dallas to continue my academic career with the goal of becoming a chiropractor.
Your basketball team has a new coach this season: what is it like to have John Calipari as the new sheriff in town? Coach Calipari has been a breath of fresh air and has brought a sense of excitement. Starting over can be intimidating, but Coach Cal has sparked a new fire in Arkansas fans and given us an opportunity for change/growth.
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-2, Senior Night, other? Senior Night at Bud Walton Arena is a memory that I will cherish forever. That night, we beat Texas and performed during halftime. It was a special night for both me and my teammates.
The Razorbacks lost to Mississippi in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how exciting was it to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? Excited is an understatement. Initially, I was happy that Arkansas had the opportunity to compete in such an iconic tournament. My teammates and I were thrilled at the chance to travel and support our team. I also think it is ironic that commentators say our men’s basketball team will be “dancing” in March Madness!
You were 1 of a record 14 SEC teams to make the tourney: what is it like to be part of the greatest conference in the history of the sport? I am always honored and proud to be a part of the SEC. There is nothing like this conference and I would not change it for the world.
How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Dance Team Head Coach Britney Hanson makes it a priority that every dancer on our team travels. She creates a survey for us to fill out so that we can rank where we want to travel during the season: seniors generally have priority. Based on these rankings and the number of travel opportunities, she then selects who gets to go.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? The Dance Team plans to cheer on our men’s basketball team as they compete in the NCAA tournament. It is also baseball season, so Razorback Dance will be dancing on the dugouts for the first SEC series this year at Baum-Walker Stadium this weekend.
Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Kansas in Providence? My predictions will always favor the Hogs. If they play as hard as I have seen them play then the sky is the limit!
