Stanford Trip (9/1/2007)

Growing up as a Bruin fanatic since birth, UCLA sports events were a regular experience for me. With season tickets to Bruin football and basketball games, I spent plenty of time not only marveling at the athleticism and skill of the players on the field, but also the dedicated UCLA Spirit Squad. Little did I know that in the years to come, I would actually be a part of the excitement and buzz of UCLA Spirit.

Because it is my first year as a part of yell crew, I did not know what to expect when traveling to the season opening football game at Stanford. The lengthy bus ride from Westwood to Palo Alto the day before the game was spent watching movies, sleeping, and chatting. However, in truth, I had millions of thoughts running through my head. This was my first game ever as a member of the yell crew, so the butterflies were certainly building up in my stomach. Fellow squad members asked, “Are you excited for the game, Steven?” To which I replied, “Of course! I’m pumped up!” But honestly, all I could think about was my fears of messing up or embarrassing myself. I couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would want me to lead them in a cheer. What if I’m just absolutely TERRIBLE?

I didn’t have much time to ponder on my self-doubts, because before I knew it, the night had passed and we were already standing within Stanford Stadium, waiting to lead the Bruins out onto the field. The sun was beating down, and I couldn’t tell whether I was sweating because it was hot and I was wearing a thick UCLA rugby shirt, or because I was altogether nervous and anxious to start the game. Yet what happened next was an absolute privilege I wish every true Bruin fan could experience. The Bruin football team shot out of the tunnel, with the Spirit Squad leading them out. The absolute rush of this experience set my heart racing. The marching band blasted “Sons of Westwood”. UCLA flags were flying high. We ran (or else we would get trampled) with the Bruins sprinting in close behind us. And most notably, the fans erupted with energy and volume that surpassed that of the Stanford home crowd. Once we reached the UCLA side of the stadium, I paused for about ten seconds to just stand back and take in the moment. It was extremely humbling to realize that I was a part of such a wonderful experience that united so many people under the blue and the gold.

At this chaotic moment, I came to the most important realization for this first year on yell crew. All my doubts do not matter, because the most important factors of the game are on the field and in the stands. The players and the fans are infinitely more significant than the petty uncertainties I feel about my abilities.

As hoped, the game went on to be an enormous success. The Bruins marched on to a commanding 45-17 victory over the Cardinal. The fans maintained a high level of intensity and excitement, creating a “home-field advantage” environment for the Bruins at Stanford Stadium. With good reason, the UCLA fans were much louder than the Stanford fans.

The entire UCLA Spirit Squad performed spectacularly. Perhaps one of the regrets I have in being on yell crew is that I am not typically in the position to sit back and enjoy the performances of the cheerleaders, the dancers, and Joe and Josie Bruin. However, because I have had a behind the scenes look into how hard those groups work, I have even greater respect for all their accomplishments. They are practically professionals, and it is truly an honor to be associated with such a talented and classy group of individuals. And even more, it is an honor to represent the greatest university in the world.

There are no words to exactly describe how invigorating it was to lead my first cheers. Just knowing that the results of my actions could be seen and heard on the opposite side of the stadium gave me an enormous rush of adrenaline. What more could I possibly want? When it all boils down, I am essentially just a fan with a special shirt on. As my good friend likes to jokingly point out, the Eight Clap is my job. But I wouldn’t replace the experience for anything. The victorious game over Stanford was an excellent way to begin a year that promises to be exciting, busy, and successful.

-Steven