By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
LA CROSSE – On Feb. 2, the Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team competed at the 2019 Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches State Dance Competition in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
They began their morning competing in the Division 2 kick division and took home a first-place finish.
Area teams West De Pere (second), Little Chute (third) and Freedom (fourth) also had impressive finishes in the kick division.
The ladies also competed in Division 2 pom, taking home the state title in that discipline as well.
Local teams Green Bay Southwest (second) and Kaukauna (third) also had strong showings in pom.
“We needed a perfect performance to take home the gold, and the girls did just that,” said Ashwaubenon coach Drew Meinel. “They went out there and performed the best they have ever performed. I have never in my life heard the La Crosse Center so loud for us. Not only were our fans cheering, but many spectators from other teams were also cheering and genuinely excited about our team’s performance.”
This was the first time that the Ashwaubenon Dance Team took home two state dance titles in one year.
Franklin High School was the only other team to do the same this year, doing so in Division 1 pom and jazz.
“We were given a police car/fire truck escort into Ashwaubenon High School,” added Meinel. “It was awesome to have that support there upon arriving home. Many family members, students and school administration came out to show their appreciation. We all appreciated the sense of community and support everyone gave us.”
They will have a number of local performances before heading to Orlando, Florida, for nationals at the end of the month.
Jaguaress Roster: Kayli Anderson, Ava Brandt, Yasmyn Collins, Amaya Comer, Payton Ducat, Lauren Haines, Abi Herbst, Alexa Hockers, Jaelyn Hoppman, Jenalee Johnson, Ella Koehler, Lexie Moran, Kaitlyn Parsons, Amber Polomis, Raya Severson, Meganne Williams and Ariana Wynn.
Coaches: Rodney Anderson, Drew Meinel and Ashley Shimanek.
