Its a beautiful fall day on campus, spirits are high and roars of excitement coming from Spartan Stadium can be heard from miles away. Welcome to your typical, football Saturday at Michigan State University.
Each year Spartan Stadium is packed with students and alumni alike, and the football team is being watched by millions of viewers at home. But what is a game without its cheerleaders? They are in charge of pumping up the crowd whether it be through catchy cheers or crazy stunts.
Davanta Greer, one of MSU’s most loved cheerleader, tell us about his experience on the MSU Cheer Team. He looks back at his favorite moments, and what it is like to be recognized campus wide for his impressive dance and tumbling skills.
Name: Davanta Greer
Age: 20
Major: Psychology and Primary Education
Position: MSU Cheerleader
How long have you been cheerleading for MSU?
I have been cheering for three years now. I started the fall of my freshman year—September to be exact.
What inspired you to start cheerleading?
Coming into college I did not know much about cheerleading what-so-ever. It was not until my roommate came to me one day and said he talked to a current cheerleader who told him all the great benefits and opportunities. Once I heard about the attributes of being a cheerleader, I was sold. I also realized that this was my window of opportunity to get involved in something school related.
Describe your most memorable moment on the MSU Cheerleading Squad.
From meeting the most influential former Spartans, by going to events held by the school, to cheering many exciting games, there are just too many. I would have to say the one that tops all would have to be cheering the homecoming game two years ago (2011 football season) against Wisconsin on Oct. 22. We won the game due to a hail Mary pass from Kirk Cousins that was caught by Keith Nichols to win the game. I was standing behind the end zone when the referee said that the receiver was short of the goal line to win the game. When the referee came back and said the ruling was overturned, the excitement circling Spartan Stadium was remarkable.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time here at MSU?
I am most proud of being able to balance cheer, social life, and school while maintaining a good GPA, because I was told coming in that this was one of the most challenging things for a college student to do. Also being able to achieve every goal that I have set for myself, whether it be getting a certain GPA for the semester or exceling in cheer despite my size compared to the other guys.
Has your position forced you to make any sacrifices?
I have had to give up going home to visit my family as much as I would like. Cheering for MSU is very demanding, and with all the games on weekends and during holiday breaks, it is definitely challenging for me to find time to see my family.
Any interesting stories of people recognizing you on campus?
People have stopped me and said that I am one of their favorite cheerleaders due to my dance moves while holding a girl on top of my shoulder, or because of my excitement and enthusiasm at the game. Just the other day I was stopped twice, once by a girl that said, “You are the cheerleader that can dance aren’t you? You are hands down my favorite. Keep doing what you’re doing.” The other encounter was a guy that stopped me to ask how long I have been tumbling because he thought I was a great tumbler and that it was awesome to watch me tumble in the end zone every time we score a touchdown. Just hearing those remarks makes me happy to know that I am appreciated by my fellow Spartans and makes me love what I do that much more.