Community Corner
Lincoln-Way West Competitive Dance Teams Recognized as IHSA Sport
Dance is an official sport for IHSA.
The Lincoln-Way West Competitive Dance Teams are off to a great start this season as this is the first year that competitive dance is recognized as an IHSA sport.
The Varsity team took 2nd out of 15 teams in the 2A class; while the Junior Varsity (JV) took 1st place in the JV2A division during competition at Stagg High School on Saturday, December 15.
In addition, both teams earned 1st place at the Oswego East contest on December 8.
“The girls have done a great job of embracing the changes as Competitive Dance has become an
IHSA sport this year. They are a dedicated, creative, and talented group of athletes who represent
Lincoln-Way West with enthusiasm and pride,” noted Melissa Sweeney, Head Pom Coach and mathematics teacher.
The next competition for both teams will be at Andrew High School on January 10 where they will compete for the Conference Title. Varsity will then go on to compete at the IHSA sectional at Minok High School in Fieldcrest on January 19.
The JV coach is Justine Haw, one of Melissa’s former Rhythm Knights at Lincoln-Way Central High School.
“I am very proud of both squads and am eager to see how they progress throughout the weeks leading up to Conference, Sectionals and State,” stated Sweeney.
Lincoln-Way West Varsity Competitive Dance Team members are: Meghan Baltas, Angela Bieser, Allison Buldak, Alyssa Burdick, Erin Dolan, Danielle Enders, Dominica Hart, Taryn Hollingsworth, Ali Johnson, Ashley Kowalsky, Erin Lavelle, Natalie Malinowski, Sarah McDonald, Kari Molloy, Kailyn O’Connor, Alexus Petrongelli, Nikki Revak, Jenny Richardson, Abby Richmond, Hannah Sigrist, Miranda St. Amour, Gabby Tanquilut, Carlee Wajchert, and Moira Ziebart.
Lincoln-Way JV Competitive Dance members include: Amber Bruemmer, Meredith Buldak, Angelina Cortesi, Deidre Dalton, Cari Floyd, Mary Goad, Lauren Heavener, Breanne Jacobs, Danielle Kuchler, Taylor LeBeau, Jessica Marchert, Kellee Mayhew, Dana Moss, Sydney Novak, Yasmin Pandy, Sarah Richardson, Morgan Richter, Nicole Semplinski, Nicole Huisman-Sterr, Erika Tanquilut, Alexia Velasquez, Paige Zawislak, Raechel Zemaitis, and Andrea Zielinski.
Stacy Holland, community relations director for Lincoln-Way High School District 210, contributed this story.
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