Cheering for a championship
Auburn cheerleaders celebrate in Arizona after Auburn's National Championship victory.
Two Madison natives have a huge reason to cheer.
On Jan. 10, Lindsey Wilson and Jenny Groux cheered for the second National Championship of their careers.
The Madison residents are part of Auburn’s cheerleading squad and traveled with the Tigers to the BCS National Championship game.
Auburn traveled to Glendale, Ariz. to play in their first National Championship game in more than 50 years. They defeated the Oregon Ducks 22-19 after Wes Byrum kicked the game winning field goal.
“Between Auburn’s National Championship wins for the 1957 and 2010 seasons, only about 40 other people can say that they have cheered for a National Champion team,” Wilson said. “That is a huge accomplishment and something I will always be grateful for.”
Groux and Wilson also cheered for Bob Jones in the national championship game during their high school years.
Wilson began cheering in 8th grade at Discovery Middle School, and has loved it ever since.
“Cheerleading has become one of my biggest passions over the years,” Wilson said. “It has opened the doors to so many opportunities.”
Wilson said cheering at the National Championship game was the most memorable moment in her cheerleading career.
“Running out onto that field in Arizona was a moment I will never forget,” Wilson said. “The atmosphere was so exciting, seeing the Auburn family come together to support our team and cheer them to an incredible National Championship win.”
That excitement is still going strong, according to Wilson.
“Since the National Championship win, Auburn has been such an exciting place to be. Last week we took part in the National Championship Celebration. It seemed like game day all over again,” Wilson said.
Although the football season ended with a National Championship, Wilson said the cheerleading season is far from over.
“We don’t just cheer for football, we also cheer for men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, swimming, soccer and are constantly doing community service projects and appearances around the community,” Wilson said. “We are constantly showing our support for Auburn University and being leaders throughout the community.” Wilson Auburn cheerleading brings responsibilities.
“As an Auburn cheerleader, I am an ambassador for the university. This brings huge responsibility and leadership not only in uniform, but outside as well,” Wilson said.
Wilson is currently a sophomore majoring in graphic design. Groux is a senior majoring in chemical engineering
