Shake your pompom
When Courtney Mead found a flier outside her residence hall room promoting Central Michigan University’s competitive pom club she grew excited at the possibilities.
As a cheerleader during her high school years, Mead desired to continue with such activities.
And now, as the vice president and co-captain of the club, the Flint junior is encouraging other like-minded students to join the team.
“It’s a lot of fun, you get to meet new people around campus and at other competitions,” Mead said. “Plus, you get to travel.”
The difference between pom and cheerleading are subtle, but important. Pom involves a kick and dance line, such as those performances one could see during a half-time show. Cheerleading, however, is aimed at boosting fan involvement.
The pom club consists of a competitive pom team, a competitive hip-hop team and a competitive freestyle team – which incorporates both pom and hip-hop.
There are no try-outs and anyone who wants to dance is able to be a part of the club.
Emily Brown, Grand Rapids freshman and new member to the pom club, said she is enjoying every minute of the experience.
“These girls were really supportive when I first joined, they didn’t just throw me in, they accepted me,” Brown said. “This is a fun thing to do if you want to get involved.”
Members of the pom club compete in various competitions around the state and as well as participate in parades.
Last semester, the pom club traveled to Windsor, Canada for the JC’s Santa Claus parade. This is the second year the club has been asked to attend.
Mead said she also went to Minneapolis her freshman year for a national competition and the club ended up taking third place.
The club’s first competition this semester is March 24-26 at the Applause Talent competition where it will be competing against other college dance teams.
“Competing in an actual competition gets the girls excited,” Mead said.
Brown said she is excited about competing for the first time in next month’s competition, but she doesn’t feel pressured.
“We are all about having fun; we are not hard-core when it comes to having to win everything,” she said. “I’m just excited to show my stuff.”
Brown isn’t the only one on the pom club that’s looking forward to attending the competition.
“You work so hard, and it’s just amazing to see you as a team become unified as you perform your routine,” said Kate Bouschet, Farmington Hills senior and co-captain the pom club.
Bouschet has been a member of the club for two years and said she has not only had fun being a part of a team, but she’s also learned about improving her work effort.
“The more you put into something, the more you will get out of it,” she said.
Any student interested in joining the pom club can attend practices at 9 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday in Rose Arena 125.
