The Sower Logo

Home Sports Cheer and Dance Teams Competition Season Begins

Photo by Kim Sleeper

by Jacy Johnston

While most athletic teams only have one season to follow, the Concordia cheer team has many. Not only has the cheer team been cheering at athletic events for the fall and winter season, but the Concordia cheer and dance teams’ competitive season is finally underway

The cheer and dance teams kicked off their season on Saturday, Jan. 20, at home with a cheer triangular and two separate dance competitions. Not only did the cheerleaders and dancers compete, but they also participated in their normal roles at the home basketball game against Dordt. 

“We are a large part of the game day experience for football, volleyball (and) basketball, and so we take a lot of pride in that and really enjoy doing that and making that a priority,” head coach Mandi Maser said.

Maser is in her second year as head coach with the program. 

The team began preparations last summer as they participated in training to work on stunting and beginning to create a team atmosphere. The team has been working on the routines since October to prepare for the competition season

The cheer and dance teams practice at 6 a.m. to prepare for competing and supporting other programs during the school year. Team members also commit to lifting, cheering and competing for fall and winter seasons in addition to practice. 

“It’s a lot of time to put in, with morning practice and lifting. But I think overall everyone is balancing it super well and adjusting well to this commitment,” junior captain Kennedy Garner said

The cheer team is beginning their second season competing within the stunting category this year.   

“We’ve got a little bit of experience under our belt. We are still new to the game, but the kids work really hard to be able to push themselves to get better and better every week,” Maser said

While the team does have a year of stunting experience, this will be the first season competing with males on the team. Senior Jared Woods, a dual athlete wrestler, and senior David Krueger are the two inaugural members cheering with the Concordia team.   

“They really brought a great element because they are both very passionate about pushing the envelope and getting better skills,” Maser said

Many Concordia cheerleaders did not stunt in high school due to state regulations. Maser said the team relies on sheer will to overcome this deficit in experience. The team must also figure out how to work together in small stunt groups and as an entire team. 

“I’m really excited because we have a lot more girls on the team than last year, so our routine is improved from last year. It’ll be cool to perform as a coed team, and we’re excited to show new stunts,” Garner said

Concordia will continue to cheer at Bulldog Athletic events this winter as they compete. The cheer team will continue their season on Jan. 24 in Hastings before traveling up to the Concordia Invitational Tournament (CIT).

 

Please leave a reply. Your comment will be reviewed by the Sower editors before posting.