Determination & Commitment

What does it take to win a state championship?

Eastern High School’s dance squad and Butler Traditional High School’s cheerleaders can tell you it is determination and commitment.

They should know. In February, Eastern’s dance team won the small jazz and small pom divisions in the Kentucky Dance Coaches Organization state championships at Bellarmine and Butler’s cheerleaders won the Super Large division at the Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors [KAPOS] competition at Western Kentucky University.

It all begins with spring tryouts. “They put a lot of pressure on themselves,” says Eastern coach Lee Eaves. “But if we can see potential in them, they’re not totally doomed if they make a mistake.”

Then the real work of practice begins. Sophomore Samantha Hundley says, “It takes a good work ethic and discipline. It’s important knowing you’re part of a team and that other girls depend on you.”

The girls must perfect various techniques for each division in the competitions.

“In the pom division, the judges are looking for sharp motions, good jumps and using arm motions to create visual pictures,” explains senior Alex Redmond.

“In jazz,” Hundley says, “you have to have more flowing movements; there are more points for technical ability.”

Even when they’re not practicing, the team often spends time together, bonding, socializing and talking dance. “We watch videos of the performance. It takes a lot of determination to be on the team because you give up a lot of your time,” says Redmond.

Eaves, a 2000 Eastern graduate and former University of Louisville Ladybird, says, “This is not a hobby for the girls. It’s a sport. They are all … so focused, so passionate.”

The team also includes Hannah Adams, Carter Baughman, Amy Baumert, Alex Bone, Elizabeth Feldpausch, Molly Goldstein, Kayleigh Graves, Jamie McDonough, Shauna Nickels, Lynda Renn, Christy Settle and Samantha Simmons.

Butler’s squad begins over the summer, as well, and practice emphasizes fitness as well as precise choreography for the competition squad. “To reach this level, you have to be really dedicated. … You have to do the routines over and over,” says senior Katie Jones.

“You can’t have an ‘I don’t care’ attitude,” adds Adriane Carter.

Coach Valarie Tackett holds practices for game routines and conditioning throughout the summer except during the dead period.

“These girls are … real athletes, not just cute girls in skirts,” Tackett says. “I’d put them up against any sports team as far as endurance is concerned. Two of the girls, Brooke Laird and Brittney Denton ran in the Mini-marathon with me this year.”

The competition squad of 26, drawn from varsity and JV squads, begins practice on choreographed routines in September. All the hard work paid off when the squad won Grand Champion at Winter Jam, 1st place at JamFest Super Nationals [Super Large Division], 1st place in the Louisville Invitational Tournament [Jefferson County Regional, Super Large Division] and the 1st place at KAPOS.

The Butler girls also spend personal time together. “If you have problems, that’s when you can talk about them,” says Jones. “You can’t bring them to practice because you have to focus when you’re there.”

This year the team has had special challenges and motivation since a team member, Britney Purkeypile, was diagnosed with bone cancer. “Everything we did this year was for her,” Jones says.

The team also includes Kayla Benson, Maria Hilpp, Hayley Ziegler, Lauren Rose, Kelsey Cole, Heather Jackson, Kelsey Allen, Rachel Neuhaus, Jenna Fey, Marina Jenkins, Erika Wakefield, Amanda Caummisale, Kendall Daub, Hannah Skipper, Savannah Neuner, Peyton Wilson, Kayla Bruderle, Caitlin Stevens, Harley Hargrove and Rita Thompson.

Missy McCabe is a retired teacher and a resident of Louisville.