IU juniors enjoy work as Colts cheerleaders

Two IU students have been pumping up the Indianapolis Colts and their fans from the sidelines at the RCA Dome this year. \nJuniors Lindy Spore and Erin Romine fought for their spots on the Indianapolis Colts cheerleading squad in April with nearly 300 other women. Best friends since the seventh grade, Romine and Spore said they were ecstatic they were chosen.\nNow they must balance cheering, school and a social life.\nThe women practice as a team from 6 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday in Indianapolis. On game weeks, they practice from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday in Indianapolis. They also practice from 6 to 8 a.m. the mornings of games at the RCA Dome. \nSpore and Romine also have a personal trainer that works with them in Indianapolis. \nOn nights they do not have to travel to Indianapolis, they work out in Bloomington at the Student Recreational Sports Center, the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building or the YMCA. \nAll of these responsibilities plus full-time class load means these women have a very hectic schedule. \n"It has been hard, but I love to stay busy," Spore said.\nBoth women said performing at the professional level has been a new and emotional experience. \n"Tears came to my eyes when they played the national anthem because it was such a poignant moment for me," Romine said. "It was like, 'Oh my goodness, here I am as a professional cheerleader.'"\nRomine, who has been dancing since she was five, said she is amazed at the rush she gets every time she cheers. Spore cheered at IU her freshman year, but never to a crowd as big as the Colts draw.\nThe cheerleaders only perform at the Colts home games. They dance for the pre-game show and do shorter routines during time outs. When the Colts are on defense, the women do more traditional-chanting cheers.\nAlong with game-day performances, the women are required to do 15 appearances throughout the state. The appearances include autograph signings, charity events, store openings and school visits. \nSomewhere between cheering and attending these appearances, the women develop somewhat of a celebrity status. Romine had her first "celebrity moment" at an autograph signing after the Colts had their only loss to the Panthers. A man walked up to Romine and said, "Can I have your autograph? You are my favorite."\nSpore and Romine have picked up a fan base on campus, as well. \n"It's pretty cool to think that people from IU are representing a professional football team," said freshman Kevin Blue.\nSpore and Romine's next performance is Nov. 16 at the RCA Dome. For more information on the cheerleaders and the players they cheer for, visit www.colts.com.\n-- Contact staff writer Paige Harden at pharden@indiana.edu.