ELIZABETH ALDERFER Staff Writer
Thresher cheer and dance teams have been off to a rocketing start this spring semester. With performances at games and competitions coming up, the teams have been working hard to overcome challenges to perform at their utmost potential.
Along with supporting the basketball teams, the cheer squad has performed well at several competitions thus far. While not always placing first at invitationals, the team defeated all the other KCAC conference teams at competitions. This accomplishment is incredible and built team confidence going into Conference championships. The season hasn’t only consisted of wins, but navigating challenges.
“I 100% believe our biggest challenge has been unexpected schedule changes for basketball. It was just a really hard balance for all the last minute changes. The team has taken them in stride and kept pushing to do what we need to do,” cheer coach Joseph Gogus said.
One of the keys to overcoming challenges and success is the team dynamic. Charlie Gibson, a junior from Ashland, stressed the team has worked hard to balance skill sets, form big/little pairs and create an environment where everyone is capable to ask questions, learn and grow. With these ideals as the foundation of the team, Coach Gogus and Gibson felt confident going into Conference.
“This team has a ton of great attributes and untapped natural talent. If they can figure out how to get the best out of each other. The sky's the limit for this team,” said Gogus.
Correspondingly, the dance team is eager to continue with their season. With competitions going well and scoring consistently going up, this year has been better than last season. With a sudden change of coaching positions at the beginning of the semester, Kiley McCord took the reins and the team is thrilled to have her expertise on their side. Additionally, no illness or major injuries have set back the Threshers as they prepare for upcoming competitions and performances.
Coach McCord also acknowledged the team's determination and hard work to improve.
“Freshman Meya Green helped bridge the gap amidst transition and stepped up to give me some insight on the team and routines,” McCord said.
“Our technique has gotten a lot better and we’ve been working on more advanced skills, which has been really fun,” Edel Miller, a sophomore from Goessel, said.
If you have seen the dance team perform, one can see the joy on their faces, and that starts in practices.
“There's a lot of unchoreographed dancing and goofy jokes [in practice]. You can usually find us laughing about something,” Miller said.
Both teams performed well in the KCAC Championships on February 19. The cheer team finished first for the first time since 2017, automatically winning a bid to nationals. They will perform in the National Championships on March 12 and 13. Dance competed in the Regional competition in Oklahoma City on February 20 and took an honorable second place. The team is eligible for the national bid and is waiting for results. Roll on Threshers!
