Indiana ‘Cheerleaders Save The Day’ Bobblehead Unveiled

MILWAUKEE – This morning, to celebrate the viral March moment, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed The Cheerleaders Save the Day Indiana Hoosiers Bobblehead. The limited edition bobblehead commemorates the moment from the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament when fearless Indiana cheerleaders Cassidy Cerny and Nathan Paris “saved the day” by teaming up to retrieve a basketball that became wedged behind the backboard and under the shot clock during a first-round game. The bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Indiana University Bloomington and in conjunction with Cassidy Cerny and Nathan Paris.

Positioned on a base that reads “THE CHEERLEADERS SAVE THE DAY” across the front, the 8-inch dual bobblehead features Paris lifting Cerny, who is reaching up to retrieve a basketball atop a glass backboard. Just like they were when they performed their highlight of the night, both cheerleaders are wearing red Indiana cheer uniforms and face masks, which are removable from the bobbleheads. The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in September, cost $40 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

On March 17th, 2022, 12th-seeded Indiana faced fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. With IU trailing 45-28, a shot by Indiana forward Race Thompson resulted in the basketball getting stuck behind the backboard on a camera mount, bringing the game to a halt. When an official was unsuccessful in dislodging the ball with a mop handle, Cerny and Paris sprung into action. Paris hoisted Cerny 13 feet into the air to retrieve the ball and provided the tournament’s first viral moment. “Oh, what a play!” CBS play-by-play announcer Andrew Catalon excitedly said on the broadcast. “The cheerleader saves the day! And that’s her one shining moment! This place is on its feet! The cheerleader is the hero in Portland!”

When Paris lifted Cerny, who reached up and grabbed the ball, the Moda Center crowd gave the pair a standing ovation. In an in-game interview with the heroes, sideline reporter Andy Katz asked Cerny how comfortable she is being that high in the air. “Oh, very comfortable,” she said. “Every single day, we stunt together. That was nothing, really.” When asked how much she trusts Paris, Cerny responded, “With my life.” Despite the heroics, Indiana lost the game to the Gaels, 82-53. Cerny and Paris quickly became viral sensations and were even included during the playing of “One Shining Moment,” which is played at the conclusion of the championship game to a montage of highlights from the tournament.

When asked about the honor of having a bobblehead made featuring the moment, Cassidy Cerny said, “Looking back on everything this March Madness journey has been, I can’t help but feel extremely blessed. Each time we have gotten to create something out of this, I feel like Nathan and I always say, “I cannot believe this is real. Getting to experience this together has meant so much to me, and I’ll always appreciate the memories we’ve made along the way. Cheering at Indiana truly felt like a dream come true. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever, and I feel so lucky to have been able to represent something bigger than myself. Thank you to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum for turning this into a once-in-a-lifetime memory for us.”

Nathan Paris said, “When Cassidy and I were able to get that ball down, we had no idea that moment would turn into what it has. This ‘One Shining Moment’ was an unforgettable experience for us and such a fun and unique way to represent our IU Cheerleading Program and Indiana University. Cheerleading changed my life, and having the opportunity to represent the sport in such a way was, and still is, an honor. We are so grateful for National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum for the chance to have our own bobblehead to commemorate our moment. Go Hoosiers!”

“We’re excited to unveil this bobblehead celebrating the viral moment when Indiana cheerleaders Cassidy Cerny and Nathan Paris ‘saved the day’,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “This bobblehead commemorating one of the top highlights from the tourney is a must-have for fans of the Indiana Hoosiers and basketball fans!”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.