Murray, NEB- This year’s state dance and cheer competition took place February 17-19 at the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island. This year the dance team won first place for division C1 Hip Hop out of 17 other routines, and third place in C1 pom competing against 22 other teams. The cheer team placed third in C1 Game Day out of 14 teams, and fourth in their Non-Tumbling routine out of 13 total teams.
The cheerleaders were able to practice at the Event Center in Grand Island on Thursday evening to prepare for their performance on Friday morning. They have this practice annually to make sure they are fully prepared. “It’s very helpful to have that practice the day before to make sure we are ready and it also helps get a little bit of the nerves away.” says Junior cheerleader Delaney D.
The dancers started their weekend by supporting the cheer team at their competition Friday morning, then practiced Friday night before their own competition on Saturday morning. Junior dance team member Addie P. says, “I love getting to watch the cheerleaders the day before. We didn’t get to do it last year because of Covid and I missed getting to support them like they always do for us.”
“I am so proud of our team and how much we continue to improve every year. We are going to do even better next year and I can’t wait to experience those moments with this team.” says Junior cheerleader Amelia G. Senior dance team member Mati S. says, “This dance team is full of hardworking, dedicated girls and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of something so amazing.”
The support from parents, staff, and students added to the excitement and drive for the teams to do their best out there. The dance and cheer teams appreciate everyone who took the time to come watch, and those who have encouraged them throughout the year. All of the dancers and cheerleaders push themselves all year and have amazing coaches that encourage them until the end.