Every pep rally, as that enormous blue mat is unrolled before the crowded bleachers and 22 girls and 1 guy take their positions upon the gym floor, students and faculty should already know what to expect. The Legends have prepared another dazzling performance full of lively choreography and colorful fabric flags.
Four long years of hard work and determination have brought this dance team a worthwhile prize: the chance to compete in Dayton, Ohio, at the 2013 WGI Championships. This is the first year they’ve managed to get so far, placing in the Class A category for the first time in Steinbrenner history.
“We had the motivation since we bumped up a division this year,” said sophomore Gaby Calle, a first-year Legend. “The competition is really stiff, and we have to work so hard all the time and our coach really prepared a great show for us this season.” Legends performed their show, which they took to the championships, at the spring pep rally, to Florence + the Machine’’s “Shake It Out”.
Legends prepared to face about 132 teams that compete from all over the United States. The competition began Thursday, April 11th, and ran through Saturday, April 13th. With rehearsals three days a week, their coach Jennifer Rex worked hard to prepare the girls for one of the biggest events they have ever been a part of.
“It’s just awesome that we’re at this level now,” said senior captain Savannah Dunn, who has been on the team since her freshman year. “We’re only four years old, so being able to see them grow each year [is great].” Dunn hoped that her team’s passion and drive would be enough to set them apart from their opponents, who were definitely something to watch out for. “We wanted it just as much as the people who have been competing in A class for four years,” said Dunn.
Based on watching others perform, the team was able to measure just how hard they would have to work to come out with a win. They returned on Sunday, April 14th, placing 99th out of 109 in their division. “It was an honor just to be able to go there and compete with them,” said Dunn. “The guards there are unbelievable and really talented. And it was an amazing experience just going to see those guards and meeting some of them.”
Next year Legends risks losing several talented individuals, as 10 seniors will be leaving them. However, captain Dunn doesn’t believe it will negatively impact the team. “We have a good amount of people [to compensate], so I think that they’ll just get even better; they’re a really talented group of girls.” This is Dunn’s first and last year as captain.
Nataly Capote/Chief Copy Editor
