Indiana University Athletics
Get to Know Erik Brook
11/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Squad
Nov. 21, 2006
Indiana graduate student Erik Brook is a member of the Cream cheerleading squad for the 2006-07 season. A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Brook sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com for 10 questions so IU fans can get to know a little more about him.
When did you start cheerleading?
"I started cheerleading my junior year of high school as something on the side while I played soccer and ran cross country and track."
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
"My dad has been the biggest influence in my life. He cares immensely for his family, while being a great role model as someone who worked hard for what he has as well as being a strong civic leader in the community."
Teammate or coach I admire the most?
"I admire my coach, Marcus Wolfe, the most. He is very intelligent (completed two advanced degrees), has a very good head on his shoulders, successful businessman (CEO), great friend and truly cares about the people that he coaches and for the entire program."
Favorite quote:
"My favorite quote is one by Albert Einstein, it reads - "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." This quote is one of my favorites because it says that in each difficult situation, big or small, there is something to gain that is positive from it."
Most memorable IU athletics moment:
"My most memorable IU Athletics event was last basketball season when Duke came to play in Assembly Hall. The game already had huge hype, but at the one point where IU was ahead of Duke, Assembly Hall went crazy and was the loudest I have ever experienced it. The moment was something I will never forget."
Other than cheerleading, what IU sport would you play?
"If I wasn't cheering for IU, I would want to run cross country. I have always loved running long distance, something that most people dread, but I enjoy the competitiveness against myself and other runners."
Favorite place on IU's campus:
"Dunn Meadow. The field is a great place to sit and relax in the fall and spring in between classes, while your studying, or just taking a break from life in general."
What is your major?
"I recently graduated with a degree in informatics with a minor in business as of last May. I am now starting a masters in information systems through the Kelley School of Business. I was attracted to my masters program because it had a strong focus on the business side of information technology."
Favorite aspect of cheerleading:
"My favorite aspect of cheerleading is the stunting. I enjoy pushing myself to learn harder stunts that will be wow the crowd as well as myself. The stunting is just one aspect of the games, though. At games, I use stunting as a visual to get the fans to cheer positively for the Hoosiers."
Most prized possession:
"My most prized possession is my high school class ring. The friends I made in high school, as well as my actual high school, shaped to a certain degree who I am and why."
What makes Indiana special from any other program?
"Our program consists of 60 extremely classy individuals. On and off the field or court, all our members show a sense of pride in whatever they do. We have great traditions and within our program that we convey in practice and on the court or field. At any athletic event we are at, anyone can tell we actually care about the sports we cheer by the amount of enthusiasm and emotion we put into each game."Â
