THEY FLIP FOR GYMNASTS

UCLA's super fans help school create atmosphere for the athletes to be great

- ANTHONY SOLORZANO

MICHAEL "Big Mike" Reese cheers on Jordan Chiles, center, and the UCLA gymnastics team at a send-off before a home meet on Valentine's Day.

It started as a gift for their daughter's 9th birthday. Jennifer and Michael Reese wanted to surprise their gymnast-intraining with a trip to Westwood to see the UCLA women's gymnastics team.

From that moment on, they became fans. They were captivated by the choreography on the floor and the balance on the beam, by the work each gymnast puts into their routine and by the thrills of the best show in Los Angeles.

Ten years later, the couple remain loyal to the Bruins and are a staple of Section 103 at Pauley Pavilion as season-ticket holders. And their devotion isn't grounded in Southern California. When the team travels for meets away from home, the Reeses often follow to cheer on the Bruins.

"They just welcomed us with open arms just as if we were a part of them just because we became so faithful and true fans," Jennifer said. "They called us their super fans." That sense of belonging has been their favorite part of supporting UCLA women's gymnastics. The Bruin Bubble - an affectionate term for the close-knit, insulated community, culture and social scene among UCLA students, alumni and sports fans added them to their email chains, inviting them to banquets and fundraisers.