Cheer and dance work to nationals

Ottawa University cheer and dance teams are looking at exciting opportunities in the near future.

Cheer and dance coach Alex Shaw said the teams are starting to attend more camps and competitions. One of those competitions could potentially get them a bid to nationals in Florida.

"This past summer was the fist year the girls attended the National Dance Alliance and National Cheerleading Association camps at the University of Kansas," Shaw said.

Shaw said the girls spent a week together in the summer at camp to start on team building.

Freshman dancer and cheerleader Randi Marolf said camp was very helpful for the team.

"Camp brought us closer together and it gave us a heads up on what to expect when we go to camp again next year," Marolf said.

Senior, four-year dancer and cheerleader Nijah Fudge said she enjoyed spending time with other people at camp that were as excited about cheerleading as she is.

"Being around all those people helped us gain more cheer spirit as a team and we improved our skills by working with professionals," Fudge said.

The teams have a Christmas party as well as optional weekly Bible study to spend time together outside of practice and games.

Practices take place three times a week for two hours. The teams work on their routines, technique and learn new moves.

"The practices are tough but they pay off in the end," Shaw said.

Marolf said practice is part of the fun of being on the team.

"I love the team and I love dance practice, it is always so much fun," Marolf said.

Shaw said it takes the dance team about five practices to get a dance together and perfected.