A Saturday To Remember

By: Christine Mikolajczak, American Heart Association

Last Saturday left me seeing red.

It started at 7:45 a.m. when Tim picked me up to take me to the Ford Lake Frozen Leap, put on by Lake Shore Apartments and PakMode Media + Marketing. It was so cold and windy. One of the tents blew down and they were unable to put it back up because the ground was too frozen. W4 Country also lost their tent due to wind before the event started. By the time teams arrived, there was so much excitement in the air you would have never known. Becuase of my role with the AHA, I decided to show my support by raising almost $250 and jumping into the icy water. I spent my time before jumping talking with Adam Rey from W4 County, Kat (the heart) from Lake Shore Apartments and many of the supporters of the event.

Because I have never done this type of thing before, my jump was not as spectacular as some of the other teams (Brownsicles, you rocked). From the time I jumped until the time I left is a blur. I got into the water and my only thought was there are firefighters waiting for me at the top of the stairs waiting to hose me down with warm water. It felt so nice as I entered the heated tent and even better when I got into the heated changing rooms and could put my winter clothing back on. I, however, was not prepared for my clothes freezing to my body and not wanting to come off, let alone not being able to get my jacket on because I was an icicle. But as soon as that was done, I felt wonderful. It definitely felt like my life had just got a jump start. A big shout out to the organizers — I had a wonderful time.

After the leap, I headed straight to the EMU Convocation Center for a basketball doubleheader (both games were red outs) in support of  National Heart Month. EMU prominately placed a table to collect donations for the American Heart Association right near the entrance. We were able to share a lot of information with EMU fans and students.  The women’s team rocked red socks but unfortunately, did not hold on for a win. During the men’s game, AHA was able to share a suite with Lake Shore Apartments, who presented AHA with a check in the amount of $6,000 from the Frozen Leap. Also during the games, it was wonderful to see red on the court for dress to impress, heart trivia with a fan and AHA facts on the big screen. There was so much spirit and support of the Heart Association, the only thing that made it better was the men’s team holding on for a win over Buffalo.

Thanks to EMU for a great day of Heart Awareness.

Message from Swoop: Get Rowdy Convo Crazies

By: Swoop, the official EMU mascot

Hey everyone — I just want to say that the basketball season has been so amazing so far. I love when the crowd gets into it and goes crazy. It helps the Eagles bring home a victory.  I really want to thank the ‘Convo Crazies’ for always being on their ‘A-game’ to help me get the crowd excited.  The life of an eagle can get pretty strenuous: Flying to all the games and running around in the hot Convocation Center.  I must say though, the ‘Convo Crazies’ and our teams make everyday worth it.  I can’t wait for our next game, and our next chance to take home a win.  I hope to see everyone at the double header. I’ll have my pink on to support the Pink Zone Foundation!

See you there!

-Swoop

Cheer Captain Reflects on First EMU Home Football Game

By: Keri Koltunchik, EMU Cheer Captain

Being able to cheer on the team and lead the crowd at games is one of the best parts of being an Eastern Michigan cheerleader.

We couldn’t have asked for a better first game to cheer at this new season.  The game day for us consisted of performing the fight song for the international students, performing it again for the alumni tent, and of course, cheering at the game.  It was really exciting to see the crowd outcome for the game and made all of the cheerleaders even more excited for upcoming games this season.

You always see the cheerleaders at games throughout the year, with skills and cheering, but with this being my third year on the team, I know that there is a lot more to it than just the games.  The cheer team practices three days per week all year round.  Our practices consist of learning new cheers, new stunts, tumbling and how to lead the crowd.  We cheer at the football, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball games.  We have a lot of incoming freshman on the team this year with new talents!  We are super excited about the rest of the season and hope everyone shares this year with us at all the games! Make sure to come to the games and help cheer on all of the teams with us this year!

GO EAGLES!

Swoop: “I’m so ready to cheer…”

By: Swoop, EMU’s official mascot

As much as I’ve enjoyed my fun in the sun this summer, it’s time to get back to work. Greg, from the strength and conditioning staff has been working with me to make sure I’m in tip top shape. I’ve been running drills and lifting weights. Don’t worry, I got it all on tape. I’m so ready to cheer on the football team as they take on Army along with all of you. So join me for the home opener September 4th and grab me for a picture. I’ll make sure to put it up on my Facebook page so you can tag yourself. Don’t forget to follow my Facebook page during the season for my many adventures caught on video. See you at the game!