Maddie Drechsler, an incoming freshman at The Ohio State University, will be standing on the sidelines in Columbus at Buckeyes’ football games this fall as a cheerleader. “I was a gymnast for 12 years and when I entered high school, I decided I needed a change,” said Drechsler, who lives in Solon. “I began cheerleading (competitive and all-star) during my freshman year of high school. Honestly, I just fell in love with the sport ever since the day I started.” Drechsler said she had to go through a three-day tryout process, which included an interview. She’s glad she was chosen because cheering in college is something she’s always wanted to do. “The fact it’s Ohio State just makes it that much better,” said Drechsler. “It means so much to represent such an amazing university.” The squad consists of 22 women, including Drechsler, and 17 men. “There were about 50 girls who tried out,” she said. “I was pretty nervous, but everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt a sense of camaraderie even before tryouts were over.” “Cheering in college will be far different,” said Drechsler, who will be among six freshmen joining the Ohio State spirit squad this fall. “The tryout was difficult, but it wasn’t too bad,” said Drechsler, who will turn 18 in June. “I felt very confident going in.” “The tryout is extremely competitive,” said Ben Schreiber, head spirit squad coach. “It’s closed to the public the first two days, but several hundred people show up to watch the third and final day.” Last year, two freshmen made the squad while the previous year, no freshman made the squad, according to Schreiber, who is in his second year at OSU. Those who made the scarlet team will cheer at all home football games and select away games, while those who made the grey team will cheer during one quarter of at least one game. The squads also cheer at other events. Both of Drechsler’s parents attended OSU, and her brother will be a senior at the university in the fall. Her father, David L. Drechsler, is in charge of the Cleveland office of law firm Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs and is a Cleveland native. Her mother, Amy Drechsler, has been supporting her since day one. …
Continue Reading: Give me an ‘O,’ give me ‘S,’ give me a ‘U,’ Solon freshman ready to cheer
