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Busting moves, winning awards

By Staff | Jul 22, 2015

The Tonganoxie High cheer and dance teams won several awards at a spirit camp last month in Salina.

THS teams attended spirit camp June 16-19 at Kansas Wesleyan University.

The Chieftain Stars dance team earned blue ribbons for its home routine and fight song performances, along with the overall camp leadership award. The team also earned 27 individual blue ribbons for individual dance routines and the Camp Drill Down Award.

The dance team also had five members selected as all-Americans: seniors Halley Calovich, Nicole Zerrer and Bailey Salmon, along with juniors Miceala Weaver and Bailey Jackson.

Jackson also received the Pin it Forward Award.

All Americans are taught a dance routine and/or cheer on the first day and must try out in front of the entire camp on the third day of camp. They are picked based on their performance.

Pin It Forward is given to those who exemplify the qualities found in good leaders who have great attitude and great work ethic, according to cheer coach Stacy Willis.

“It’s a very special honor,” she said.

The THS cheer and yell squad won blue ribbons for home routine, sidelines, cheers and extreme routine. The team earned first place in band dance and won the Superior Squad Trophy.

In addition, three cheer/yell leaders were recognized as all-Americans: juniors Sidney Murphy and Braden Shryock and sophomore Faith Creten. Junior Tatiana Sudac was named Camp Jump Champion, while four squad members, Shryock, Murphy, fellow Jordyn Spencer and sophomore Faith Creten were Pin It Forward recipients.

Camp Jump Champ was chosen based on technique, height and execution. Sudac beat out about 30 other top jumpers to win.

Senior cheerleader Charli Fesmire also was given the opportunity to try out as a United Cheerleading Association instructor for the 2016 camp season.

“Both squads worked extremely hard all week and did a fantastic job,” said Stacy Willis, THS cheer coach.

The Chieftain Stars coach is Gail Kiefer.