In November 2003, at fifty and traveling Arizona with my son Sean, I returned to the University of Arizona for my first Homecoming since graduating in 1975. I’d made the freshman cheerleading squad my first year in Tucson, and when the alumni invitation arrived, I couldn’t resist.
At the cheer alumni reception on November 7, the room felt instantly familiar—handshakes, stories, and a current squad packed with scholars as well as athletes. I mentioned to advisor Phoebe Chalk that I hoped to photograph the parade. “The squad already had photographers”, she said, so I planned to work from the sidelines.
I came prepared the next day with a Sony Cybershot F828. It was “Sony’s flagship prosumer digital camera” at the time. It worked well that day, the variable lens was especially helpful.
At the staging site, I solved access with a simple ask. I approached UA President Peter Likins, explained I wanted to photograph the cheerleaders, and he nodded, made a quick call, and waved me on. The team recognized me from the evening before, and I fell in step with them at the head of the procession
As we passed the Flandrau Science Center and crossed Cherry Avenue, a stunt group set quickly: bases J. Justin VandenBerg, Ricardo Abud (captain), and Robert Scoby with flyer Taylor Hendrickson. They launched her high for a full flip and clean catch. I caught the moment of collective focus—an image I call Mind.
We progressed until the stunt group reset. This time I framed the instant of takeoff—limbs aligned like clockwork—I call this image Aerialists.
The next flyer to launch was Kristen Ortega, here standing on the shoulders of her partner.
In front of the review stand, flyer Kristen Ortega rose into a poised extension and flight returned safely to the same three pairs of hands. Grace is the image title.
The rest of the parade streamed past in a blur of alumni, bands, and banners. Afterward, a squad member took a picture of me with the team—two eras in one frame. The cheers change; the spirit doesn’t.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 
You did well in catching Taylor Hendrickson upside down in mid-air, just as the base crew did well in catching her when she came down.
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It was nerve wracking, turned out well in the end.
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Such a nice memory. Wonderful pictures.
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Thanks
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It is, thanks!!
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Simpler times haha
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I noticed the difference on a later trip when I again photographed the team.
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Great photos, you captured the action well!
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I always enjoy watching the parades. I see you had a wonderful time, and what a flip that Taylor had.
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It was an amazing team. Those stunts are no longer performed, too dangerous.
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I can imagine. Being thrown in the air and flip. The team kept marching and tried to catch her. It’s very dangerous.
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They stopped and did the stunt, but still dangerous.
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Yes, it is dangerous. Anything could happen.
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Cheerleaders are such a big part of American culture. We don’t have that tradition here, but whenever we see it on TV, we can’t help but watch with admiration. Your report is truly wonderful! Greetings from the Netherlands — well, not really, because we’re currently traveling in France.😉
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Thank you, Matroos! 😊 Cheerleading is such a uniquely American tradition—glad the spirit came through. Enjoy your travels in France, and greetings back from Tucson memories!
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What a fun trip for you! My son went to U of A, so we are very familiar with the campus. Great photos!
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Thanks so much, Marie—Bear Down! 😊 It’s a special campus; I’m glad the photos brought it back. What years was your son at U of A? his degree?
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He was there until just recently. He majored in clinical dietetics.
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wow I graduated with a BS in Human Nutrition and did an internship at Tucson Medical Center. Passed the Registered Dietitian exam in 1976
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Wow, what synchronicity! That’s cool.
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Wow, what an amazing show of acrobatics and strength. Throwing someone in the air, though, has always brought a shudder and dread of harm. I read, in your reply to a comment, that they are no longer performed due to the danger! Exactly what I was thinking as I marvelled at their bravery.
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Thanks, Carolyn—you’re spot on. Those high throws were breathtaking but risky; many are now restricted by safety rules. I’m glad the photos captured both the artistry and the courage.
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These are awesome movement photos without blur! How did you do that!!!???
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Thanks for the question. I give credit to the Arizona sunshine that allowed me to shoot with a wide-open aperture and fast exposure time.
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You were a cheerleader in university? You have many talents!
I agree with the previous comments, cheerleading seems to be a very uniquely American culture. The energy is palpable through your photos.
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Yes, it is true. 53 years ago and a great memory. Good to hear from you, Takami.
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Three days after you posted this we were in Tucson. We didn’t visit the university, though we drove past it several times.
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We are at the UofA now for Homecoming and to celebrate 50 years since my graduation. Bear Down!!
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You did well in catching the cheerleaders in mid-air, especially the one who was upside down. I can see where that’s a risky activity.
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Quite a gathering! Michael, I can feel the energy captured through your photography. Perhaps one of these football seasons will find me at a Montana State University homecoming. My youngest daughter and her family live in Bobcat land.
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