Cy*Burr // spring 2004

It is here that the five students received their training to make their first skydive.

“A tandem skydive is an introduction to what it is all about,” said Sherry Butcher, who co-owns the center with her husband Tim. “It’s amazing how many people just jump once though. I can’t imagine just jumping once.”

Tim opened the center at the Sky Park Airport in 1990 but moved it to its present location in 1993. In May of that year, Sherry made her first jump and fell in love with the activity and the owner of the center.

Sherry estimates that 2,500 people jump for the first time each year at the center and most come away thrilled with the experience. She said the tandem dive allows beginners to enjoy the experience without worrying about being in control.

“Once or twice some people have gone up in the plane and changed their mind after doing all the training,” said Sherry, a short blond-haired woman whose size masks her steely resolve “We don’t delve into their decision.”

For the five students from Kent State, the day began early as they set out from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at 7 a.m. Upon arriving a little under an hour later, the five, who looked a little more apprehensive and were noticeably less talkative then at the meeting earlier in the week, took their places in the wooden building and awaited instruction.

“I’ve been very, very nervous and excited,” said Emily Flickinger, a junior in human development. “I haven’t been sleeping much. Last night I didn’t sleep at all because I was so excited. Seeing the plane got me really nervous.”

“It’s amazing how many people just jump once though. I can’t imagine just jumping once.”

Flickinger, who seemed more highly strung then the rest of the group, said that she went bungee jumping once and loved it so much she had to take the next step and jump out of a plane.

“I think I’d be too afraid to do it by myself though,” Flickinger said.

Other members of the group had rather different reasons for making the leap.

“All of my life I wanted to be a skydiving instructor and, if I like this, I’m going to go on to do the accelerated freefall and keep doing it,” said Erin McGatha, a freshman in nursing. “I’m sure I’ll be nervous when I get there and see everything, though.”