Spirit, enthusiasm and the love of the game -- those are what the OU cheerleaders represent and personify during OU athletic events. Cheerleaders have been a staple of sporting events since the beginning of competitive sports. But as Brandy Corcoran, OU head cheerleading coach, said cheerleading is not just about rooting for the home team.

Practices three times a week for three hours each time.

Cheerleaders are required to workout for three extra hours on their own time.

Cheerleading competition in January at UNCA or the Universal National Cheer Association.

There is no "off season"

Corcoran said the two cheerleading teams do not have an "off season" like the football, basketball and baseball teams.

"Technically, June is an off month, but the athletes are all doing cheer camps and working out even though they are not representing OU, which keeps them in shape," she said.

Corcoran said the cheerleaders cheer for all OU athletic events, cheer at other events at OU's requests like pep rallies and compete in January for the Universal National Cheer Association competition which keeps these men and women working hard year round.

Corcoran said her teams are required to practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three hours each day. The cheerleaders are also required to do cardiovascular workouts in elliptical, biking or running routines on an individual basis.

Falynn Moak, advertising junior and cheerleader, said, "Our coach requires us to work out for three extra hours separate from practices. We work out on the honor system where we check in and out at the front desk at the Huston Huffman Center and write down what we did for a workout. It's not easy and it's important to stay in shape so that you can do all the stunts and tumbling routines."

Before you train and work out to be a cheerleader you have to make the team.

Jessica Marshall, advertising junior and cheerleader, said it is a difficult, strenuous and stressful task trying out to represent OU as a cheerleader.

"You are representing Oklahoma University when you have the uniform on, so the coaches expect a lot from the girls and guys," Marshall said. "You must have the collegiate look and have what it takes to be the best when you tumble and perform stunts during games."

Cheerleaders are athletes who have to train and workout like any other athlete.

"It is a lot harder than people think to become and be a cheerleader at OU," Marshall said.
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