Though they were already decades-old, the Flying Gamecocks started to gain popularity a few years ago, when Harris Pastides did a tandem jump during his first year as USC’s president.
USC’s skydiving club started out small, so its goal is to recruit as many students it can and increase the numbers of licensed jumpers it has.
To become licensed, jumpers must undergo a 16-level program. After successfully completing 25 jumps, they can get a license in the Advanced Freefall Program.
“It’s something everyone should try once but shouldn’t expect to stop at just one,” Flying Gamecocks President Paul Czeresko said.
Licensed skydivers can go on to compete in the annual collegiate nationals competition. The nationals were held in Arizona last year, when Lauren Pruett and Katrina Buckner, the first members of the club to medal, took home the gold.
“Their win has caused our two teams training this year to be much more intense to hopefully follow in their footsteps,” said Flying Gamecocks Vice President Jared Ham, a fourth-year pharmacy student.
Nationals will be held in Lake Wales, Fla., in December, and club members are already training. The teams decide which discipline to compete in, including freeflying and relative work.
“You practice at the drop zone, or in the indoor diving wind tunnel,” Czeresko said. “So you don’t have to worry about going up the plane and waiting to dive.
“The thrill lies in learning new things and figuring out things that weren’t taught to me. Even though it’s the same plane, the same gear, the same drop zone, every jump is different, no matter how close you think it will be to the last jump you did.”
The thrill of skydiving is a big factor in keeping members active, Czeresko said.
But for some, skydiving may have the opposite effect, providing a chance to de-stress and relax.
“Freefall is the most relaxing thing in the world to me,” Ham said. “It is impossible to think about that exam you have the next day, or a fight with a friend, etc., while in freefall.”
The Flying Gamecocks meet every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Business Administration building, room 002, to plan events and set up diving days.
“There is a reason this is on everyone’s bucket list. Jumping may seem scary or crazy at first, but I can guarantee you that when you land, you will have the biggest smile on your face,” Ham said. “Skydiving is the most addicting, ridiculously fun thing you can do with your free time.”