Cheer & Dance Competition Season at KWU

KWU Cheer and Dance has started its competition season. Two weeks ago, the home competition, Coyote Classic, was a home success. Just this weekend, February 7, the cheer and dance team drove to York, Nebraska, for the Crown Classic Competition. Here is a behind-the-scenes dance and cheer view on that trip.

Crinkle the Coyote dance good luck charm| By Merissa BR

The recording of the Crown Classic can be found here for cheer and dance! 

Leaving KWU

The cheer and dance teams arrived at the Student Activities Center (SAC) after some early morning classes, ready to load the bus for their day trip to Nebraska. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as they prepared for the competition. Before departure, each team member meticulously checked their bags to ensure they had everything necessary for a successful and comfortable day away from home. This included their uniforms, of course, but also other crucial items.

According to sophomore dance captain, Maddie Mcvay, some essential items for competition days include:

Read more about the daily life of a KWU dance there is an article written on KWU Student Media last academic year, Day in a life of a Coyote dancer. 

Once everyone had their belongings accounted for, each team gathered to discuss expectations for the trip. Coaches outlined the day’s schedule, including arrival times, performance slots, and meal breaks. They also reviewed specific requirements for hair and makeup, clarifying when each team member needed to be ready. This pre-trip meeting ensured everyone was on the same page and understood their responsibilities for the day.

With all the to-go lunches packed and ready from The Den, the teams headed east into Nebraska.

At the Crown Classic

Cheer & Dance coloring| By Merissa BR

Upon arriving at York University, both the cheer and dance teams established their “camp”- a designated area where they could store their belongings, grab a bit to eat and relax before the evening’s award ceremony. The dance team then headed to the performance floor for a quick walk-through, familiarizing themselves with the space and visualizing their routine. Meanwhile, the cheer team focused on finishing hair preparations and changing into their uniforms, ready for their 4:30 PM performance.

The cheer team delivered an excellent performance, showcasing their athleticism and unity as a team. With their performance behind them, they enjoyed some downtime, catching up on homework, watching other teams compete, and relaxing until the 9:00 PM awards ceremony. As the clock ticked toward 6:00 PM, the dance team began their pre-performance preparations, utilizing the dedicated warm-up rooms for final rehearsals and run-throughs. Once both teams had performed, they were able to relax and enjoy the remaining competitions, supporting other schools and appreciating the talent on display.

Dance warmup| By Merissa BR

This portion of the competition trip could be a highlight for the team, offering a chance to bond in a more relaxed setting. Senior accounting major and cheerleader Anahi Navarrete appreciates these travel opportunities. “The team can sometimes feel divided,” she observes, “but traveling together helps us connect as a whole.”

The highly anticipated awards ceremony finally began at 9:00 PM. The cheer team proudly learned of their 10th-place finish, with the dance team earning 15^th place. Both teams recognized the hard work and dedication they had put in. With the ceremony concluded, the teams returned to their camp, packed up their belongings, and boarded the bus for the ride back to campus.

Looking into Competition Season

The cheer and dance teams have several more exciting competitions on the horizon this season.  

The KWU dance team will compete at Bethel University on February 15^th, followed by the KCAC Championships at St. Mary’s University on March 14^th.

The KWU cheer team has a busy schedule at Bethel University. They will compete in the Thresher Invitational on February 14^th and the Bethel Invitation on February 15^th. They will also compete at the KCAC Championships at St. Mary’s University on March 14^th.

Both the cheer and dance teams have their sights set on the NAIA National Championships in Michigan on March 28^th and 29^th.