What could be better than sitting courtside for every MSU men’s home basketball game and not having to worry about waiting in massive lines for student tickets?
For MSU varsity Pom Squad members Paige Dunnington and Lauren McKissack, performing during men’s home basketball games is just that; not to mention all the excitement that goes with it.
“I like being out on the court performing with everyone,” McKissack said. “I have been doing this type of thing for six years and I really have fun when I am out there.”
A typical day for the girls begins as they arrive at The Hump one hour before game time.
“When we all get there we go down into a little room to change into our uniforms,” Dunnington said. “Then we all come out and stretch and practice for our halftime routine.”
Each girl also brings her assigned basketball buddy a gift. At the beginning of the season each player compiles a list of their favorite cookies, candy, drinks and restaurants and each pom squad member brings something. Winsome Frazier and Gary Ervin are the beneficiaries of Dunnington and McKissack’s gifts.
Once all the pre-game activities are complete, the girls line up in a row and welcome the team as they run out in preparation for the starting lineups.
After the lineups have been announced the girls retreat to one end of the court to begin their series of cheers that energize both the players and crowd throughout the game.
Along with all the cheering from the sidelines, the girls are welcomed on the floor during each time-out to keep the crowd entertained during the short pause.
“During the time-outs we always do the dance routine that the band plays,” said Dunnington. “Sometimes it can be hard because we don’t know what they are going to play until we get out there and they start playing.”
As the first half comes to a close, the girls head onto the court for their big halftime routine. Here the girls are given an opportunity to showcase their dancing talent.
“Our halftime routines are chosen during the week and we spend a lot of time preparing for them,” said head coach Darryl Lyons. “We pick what music we want to dance to and then we go out there and do it. Our next new halftime show will be during the Mississippi game on Feb. 7.”
As soon as the game is over the girls head to center court for some final victory cheer celebrations with the raucous student section.
“We always go and congratulate the team on the win and we usually walk with them as they go into the locker room,” McKissack said.