After balancing football halftime performances, practices twice a week for about two hours, and intensified rehearsals, the Cougarettes dance team took to state on Feb. 20 in Grand Island, Neb. The team placed seventh and 12th in both dances, concluding their competitive season.

They “deep dived into [their] state dances after football season,” stated Katherine Bloch, coach for the nine-year state champs. The girls worked hard on their hip hop and pom routines. “In the fall, we started working consistently on them in between working on our halftime performances,” noted Chloe B., a junior on the squad.

The results were not the outcome the team was searching for. Lillian H. revealed that their goal was “to win hip hop and place in pom.” The place that they received was “Seventh in hip hop and 12th in pom,” informed Chloe B.

When it came to competition day, they left the “stressful” environment, and “every thought and feeling behind for the two minutes on that stage,” says Bloch. That, plus their bright attitudes, carried them into the spotlight as they performed.

Getting down their routines wasn’t the only struggle the team faced. Their squad faced lots of sickness in the days leading up to state. “We went almost one and a half weeks without having everyone at a practice due to this,” explained Bloch, “Those last two weeks are when we really get everyone buckled up for state and clean up the small things. “

But along with these disadvantages, the girls performed amazingly. They used the fact that they “only had one new girl,” specified Bloch. “I had 8 girls who had been to state before! Other advantages are our routines. They were strong, and my girls are wonderful performers.” Bloch also complimented the team by saying, “They were sharp and performed like the amazing dancers that they are! We are such a strong, athletic group of girls, and I am so, so proud of them.”

Even with this disappointing letdown, “despite small errors, our energy was insane,” exclaimed Chloe B.