10 questions for ... Kristina Anderson

Who's tougher, football players or cheerleaders?

We always hear the argument that cheerleaders aren't athletes, but it's as challenging as anything (football players) do. I would say we'd put up a good fight. We get up early to work out just like they do, we practice like they do, we need the endurance and ability like they do.

There are basketball games (tonight) and Sunday and a football game Saturday. I take it your weekend is booked.

We have an orange team and a blue team for basketball – the orange does the men's games and the blue does the women's. Then, we all do football. It gets kind of crazy this time of year. Last year we had some injuries, so I wound up doing both men's and women's games. I got a little tired. But I try to watch what I eat and get enough rest when we're not at a game.

Which sport do you prefer cheering for, football or basketball?

I love football because it's outside. Except when it's really cold, I love being outside and enjoying the weather and the mounts we get to do. But basketball is fun, too, even though it's a smaller area to cheer. The crowd is a little more involved – all those people screaming and the Orange Krush right there. It's too hard to choose.

Can Illinois win out and reach a bowl game?

I'm going to have to say yes. There's always hope and you never know what could happen. We've seen their talent the last two games. Hopefully they're finally realizing what can happen when you work together.

Best moment this season? Worst?

It was pretty cool during the Halloween game against Michigan. At halftime, we were bummed because we were down, but then we came back and everyone was excited. Some of Juice's passes have been kind of rough, but I guess I'd choose the Missouri game as the (worst) because it was the first game. That was a bad way to start.

What Illinois football player would make a good cheerleader?

All of them because they're big, and you have to be big to do stacks because it takes a lot of strength. One of our guys (Chris Salvatori) was a big-time player in high school (Sterling Newman). He was widely known until he hurt his shoulder. We're always making fun of him.

How about Ron Zook?

I don't want to comment on that. He'd probably be offended. I talked to him once when he was working out at the stadium at the same time I was. He just said, 'Go Illini.' He's a nice guy. He's pretty strong, too.

Any basketball players?

Probably Bubba (Chisholm). He looks like he has the muscle to pick up some of the techniques. For taller guys, it'd be a bit awkward. He's shorter and has better tone.

As athletic as you are, can you dunk?

Maybe if the hoop was 6 feet tall. I can jump pretty well, but my height is a disadvantage. I'm 5-2 and haven't played basketball since high school. I'd need a trampoline.

Are you the most famous athlete from Garrett?

Probably. We're real small – I think we have about 200 people in the town, maybe a little more. We have a water tower and a little park. There used to be a grocery store.

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