Centralight

I am Central: Nicky Van CMU Cheer Team captain Senior • Biology Defining CMU spirit: "For me CMU spirit means wearing my cheer uniform, getting the fans and students fired up, yelling at the top of my lungs 'Go Chippewas,' and representing CMU the best way I possibly can in all that I do." Why a cheerleader? "In high school, I was a football player and a member of the bowling team. I never even thought about cheering until college. During my freshman year, I went to a CMU football game and saw a male cheerleader lead the crowd – I thought, 'I really want to be a part of that.' And being around all the girls is a benefit, too." Overwhelming moment: "One nighttime football game, when the cheer team ran onto the field after the fireworks and parachuters, I remember looking around and seeing everyone in the stands fired up for the game and the amount of school spirit in the atmosphere was electric." Leading with heart: "Because the team looks to me when it comes to how things should be done, I have to make sure that I am checking on myself and giving 110 percent. If I am not at the top of my game, it is hard to be an effective leader to them." Can I have your autograph? "I have had people come up to me after a game and tell me that my cheering and school spirit is something that keeps them coming back to games. I will never forget seeing a group of fans hold up a banner with my name on it. That kind of recognition keeps me going and makes me want to be better at what I do." Any last words? "Go! Fire Up, Chips!" • 4040 centralight fall '11

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