She lands with her feet resting against his hands at shoulder level, he then moves her into position above his head.

Just a typical summer practice for Boegler and the Saluki cheerleading squad, who can make the lift look effortless.

I’ve been into gymnastics all my life, Boegler admits. My father runs a gymnasiums in both Steeleville and Perryville, Mo.

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Boegler’s gymnastic talent has deep roots, as his father was captain of the SIUC gymnastics squad in 1967 and 1968.

The junior from Ava said in high school he would not have been caught dead being a cheerleader.

If anyone had told me two years ago that I was going to be a cheerleader, I probably would have hit them in the face, Boegler said.

But I actually got started because of some friends I’ve known since childhood.

Jennifer Jarret and Dawn Slusher had me attend a practice one day, and three practices later, I was hooked.

Boegler practices with the squad once a week for 2 1/2 hours in the summer, and three times a week in the fall and spring season.

He is also required to lift weights three times a week, and said the trainers at the arena come up with different training programs for the squad every week to ensure a complete workout.

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The self proclaimed hippy of the group whose nickname Chewy stems from a childhood pronounciation of Matthew, said every member of the squad is unbelievably close.

We have parties all the time together, Boegler said.

All the cheerleaders seem to be together 24 hours a day.

We definitely know a lot about each other, which is important when it comes to trusting your partnerwhat cheerleading is all about, he added.

Boegler and the squad are gearing up for the NCAA competition to be held next April in Florida.

The Salukis earned the honor by qualifying for Nationals in May at a competition held in Lawrence, Ks.

The 20 year-old said he is perfecting the elite stunts that the squad performs, as well as the one on one stunts, or partner stunts.

An example of an elite stunt is where the guy will toss the girl up to hands, and she does a heel stretch with the guy holding her foot with one hand, Boegler said.

A one on one stunt is a basic partner stunt.

Nancy Esling, cheerleading advisor, said she first met Boegler when he attended a summer practice at which visitors are welcome to come and practice with the squad.

He took to it like a duck to water, Esling said. I am impressed with Matt’s athleticism, as he also is very coachable and sets no limits for himself.

He wants to do a lot of things, and wills himself to achieve them.