Timeout with … Claire Wilson

Columbus North graduate and Indiana University freshman Claire Wilson will perform with the RedSteppers today when the Hoosiers play Duke in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City.

What exactly are the RedSteppers?

Wilson: We are the dance team, and we perform at all of the home football games and a couple of away games. We’re famous for our kicklines.

Are there a lot of girls your age on the squad, or are they mostly upperclassmen?

Wilson: Actually, two-thirds of the team this year are freshmen because as they girls get older, they can’t do it because of different things they’re doing for their major. We all were like rookies this year, so that was interesting, but it’s cool.

Were you involved in dance or cheer at North?

Wilson: I was a cheerleader at North. It’s kind of similar, the dancing that cheerleaders do and the dancing that RedSteppers do. I like it.

How did you get involved with the RedSteppers?

Wilson: I actually tried out twice. I tried out on the same day as prom, so I missed about half of my prom. Then, I went back for a callback audition the first week of school, and that’s when I found out I made it.

Did you think about trying to cheer at IU?

Wilson: No. I never considered that. I would rather go the dance route. I enjoyed that more.

What do you major in at IU?

Wilson: I’m doing special education.

Have you ever been to New York City?

Wilson: Yes, I have. We went a few years ago over Christmas break, ironically. We went for New Year’s, so now we get to go back for Christmas.

What do you think about going back there this year?

Wilson: I’m really excited. It’s a lot of fun. It’s nice because they’re treating us to a lot of nice things like the bowl, and we’re in a nice hotel.

Is this something you plan on continuing throughout your college career?

Wilson: I hope so. I’ll have to try out again each year, but I hope to.