Warbonnets kick way to first place
Stephanie Williams
Issue date: 2/25/05 Section: Campus News
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Confidence, dedication, desire and hard work; these are all key ingredients in becoming a champion.
The ULM Warbonnets used these ingredients to whip up their own recipe for success. Their performances in both the pom-pom and high kick categories earned them first place at the U.S. Dance and Drill Team Championships, held in New Orleans.
The competition lasted from Feb. 18-21. The competition featured teams from across the country at the high school and collegiate level.
Two-year team captain Ayan Martin described their journey to the top to be anything but easy.
"We came back a week and half before school started and practiced everyday, including weekends, for at least two and a half hours," Martin said. "I remember one day, we practiced for six hours."
Tough competition from Pearl River Community College and Jones Junior College kept the race for the national championship close, but the Warbonnets delivered the strongest performance. The teams were judged on technique, difficulty, music style and formation among others.
"For the past three to four years we've been coming up in the ranks and rebuilding this team," Martin said. "I'm so very excited and proud of these girls."
This championship is the first for the Warbonnets after taking a hiatus from national competition over two years ago.
Returning to the spotlight has given the team a solid base of opportunities for the future of both the program and the university.
"This championship means a lot to ULM and our program," Martin said. "It lets people know who we are and what we do, and hopefully, it will draw more students to our program."
The Warbonnets will not miss a beat as they are already making plans and goals for 2006.
"Our goal right now is to make the team bigger, find good dancers and keep getting better," Martin said.
Students can catch the group in action at halftime at the men's and women's home basketball games in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Members of the 2005 National Champion team are: Meghan Bibaeff, Reagan Boone, Shaylyn Broussard, Deanna Buchanan, Courtnei Gabriel, Charly Girod, Tricia Green, Maegan Guccione, Allison Heflin, Ayan Martin, Danielle McCraney, Ashley McGee, Hannah Porter, Danielle Smith, Mallary Soileu, Stephanie Swillie, Jessie Tyler, Erin Yellott and Coach Jenifer Armstrong.
"Taking that first place championship trophy was just amazing," Martin said. "We could not wipe the smiles off of our faces; I still can't."