It was a dream season for The Ohio State University, who
were crowned the National Champions of college football. The championship was
the pinnacle of a lifelong dream of Taylor Rudy, whose been living a fairytale
as a cheerleader for the Buckeyes. From her spot on the sidelines, Rudy’s
spirit helped propel the football team to have one of history’s most magical
years.
Rudy, a 2011 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, is
fulfilling a goal she set for herself as a child. In the eighth grade, her
teacher passed around cards to the class with some general questions on them,
including, ‘what is your life dream?’ Rudy’s answer was to be an Ohio State
cheerleader. “My teacher laminated those cards, and I kept it growing up. I
brought that card to tryouts with me, and I still have it sitting on my desk at
school. It’s an incredible feeling to know you are truly living out your
childhood and lifelong dream,” she said.
The entire season was filled with obstacles for the team,
including an injury at the start of the season to the quarterback, Braxton
Miller. To ever reach the championship game seemed nearly impossible. “I’m a
very optimistic person, and I had faith in the Buckeyes that we would still
have a great season, but the National Championship game is something any team
would pray for. Let alone a team that overcame as many adversities as this team
did,” said Rudy.
The Sugar Bowl, against Alabama is regarded as one of the
most nerve wracking games that Rudy has ever cheered for. When the final buzzer
hit zero, the seemingly impossible feat had been made true. The Ohio State
Buckeyes would forever be the first to compete in a National Championship game
after being victorious in the playoffs.
At the championship game, held in Arlington, Texas; Rudy was
enamored by the raucous crowd in such an enormous arena. Her dream was at the absolute ultimate level
of reality. “I kept stopping and looking around, it’s such a crazy feeling when
you realize you are currently experiencing one of the most memorable days of
your life,” said Rudy. “I’m so honored to be a part of this season and these
memories.”
A fourth year Psychology major, with a minor in Business and
Criminology; Rudy and all the other cheerleaders must tryout each year. A spot
is never guaranteed. Tryouts are a weekend long and held in the spring. While a
senior at Tipp, Taylor attended her first tryout, which was very intimidating.
She however felt comforted by the other competitors who showed support, despite
going for the same limited spot.
While Rudy values all the physical aspects of being a
cheerleader, it’s the memories that she cherishes most. Engrained within her
forever are the times spent standing in the end zone while the drum major leads
Script Ohio, witnessing every touchdown and basket from the front row,
traveling to countless places, and standing in front of the student section
during the Alma Mater. In addition to the sports related activities, the
cheerleaders are also considered as ambassadors of the university. They attend
hundreds of events a year with alumni, administration and fans. “I’ve had the
opportunity to spend time with countless less fortunate or sick children,
seeing the way their faces light up when you hand them your pom poms or Brutus
walks into the room is priceless,” she said.
Of course, nothing compares to game day at The Shoe, where
Rudy cheers in front of 108,000 fans. She feeds off the energy from one of the
country’s greatest crowds. However, it’s the personal encounters that gives her
much joy. “One of my favorite things is meeting little girls in cheerleading
uniforms. The way they look at you is indescribable, it’s an honor to know that
just by bending down and talking to them you can make their day,” said Rudy.
With all the joys of being a cheerleader also comes some
hardships. Due to the time commitment, including early morning practices, Rudy
misses spending time with friends and stays up late to finish homework, which
means getting further behind on sleep. She wouldn’t have it any other way
though. “The hardest part about being a cheerleader is the moment you realize
it doesn’t last forever. It really makes you want to take advantage of every
second,” she said.
When all the odds were against them during the season,
nobody ever expected the Buckeyes would end up National Champions. As an eighth
grader, not everyone believed that Rudy would someday fulfill her dream of being
an Ohio State cheerleader. The team or she ever gave up. “All your dreams can
come true if you have the courage to pursue them. Trying out for Ohio State
cheerleading was one of the most intimidating moments of my life, but I’m so
glad I did it. Stepping out of your own comfort zone is one of the greatest
things you can do for yourself. I can’t imagine how different my life would be
if I hadn’t stepped out of mine,” said Rudy.
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