What do most people think of when they talk about basketball games? Most likely they will talk about the players, the coaches and the fans. Sometimes cheerleaders get overlooked. It could be because of the controversy surrounding whether it is actually a sport or not, but that is another conversation for a different time.
I have had the privilege of being on the sidelines as a cheerleader for the Harding Bisons for the 2012-2013 season. For a sports fan like myself, it is exhilarating to be within an arm’s distance of all the action on the court. As a cheerleader, I felt like I was a part of the game. Obviously I am not on the court as a player, but I am a supporter of my school that is giving it their all on the floor.
This is my first season cheering for the Bisons, but it has been one of my favorites to cheer for throughout the nine years I have been a cheerleader. The men and women on the Bison teams have put their heart and soul into this season and it has showed on the court.
It makes it a lot easier to show up for games when you know you are going to be watching an entertaining one. Whether the Bisons won in a blowout or in nail-biting over-time minutes, I felt lucky to have had the chance to be on the sidelines for them this year.
Winning “The Best Road Trip in College Basketball” was an incredible experience for our school, players, coaches, fans and cheerleaders. It truly showed the type of atmosphere we have created for our basketball teams to play in at the Rhodes Field House.
Saturday’s game at the Rhodes takes the top spot on my list of favorite memories as a cheerleader. The game was sold out, students were painted up and the teams were fired up to play. As a cheerleader, I could not wait for the games to begin because cheering in an atmosphere like that is phenomenal.
The Rhodes Rowdies showed up hours before the games began to grab their front row seats. One of my favorite memories from the game was when Dr. Burks came down and joined the students during his last home game as Harding’s president. Four of the Rowdies went up to his normal seat and escorted him down to the student section while acting as if they were secret service for Dr. Burks.
The teams were pumped up throughout both games. Their energy on the court and from the bench was evident to everyone in attendance. The Lady Bisons and Bisons both won handily against Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
CBS came for a great pair of games. They got a show from the court and the stands. Harding is “The Best Road Trip in College Basketball.” I can say that with confidence because we made it pretty clear at the games on Saturday.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to grow closer with the girls on the squad throughout this past season. The Bisons made it exciting for us to come to the Rhodes to cheer them on each game this year. I feel honored to have been able to cheer for them this season because of their passion for the game and the school they play for.
