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Social - February 2003 |
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Step Up! East Lincoln team completes successful starting season By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer February 14, 2003 - Music thumping loudly in the cafeteria is joined by the sound of rhythmic clapping and stomping. The beats fill the halls each Tuesday and Friday after classes have been dismissed. When the song ends, laughter and conversation begin. The East Lincoln High School Step Team is preparing for the next game. “They’ve really filled up the stands,” says coach Brandy Gregory. “A lot of people have come out to support them.” The 18-member team performs during half time at ELHS basketball games, led by captains Asia Wingate and Keesha Baarino. Wingate led the way to forming the school’s step team. “I’ve seen other school’s teams,” she said during practice. “We had one years ago.” Wingate approached the school’s principal, Todd Black, during the fall. “He said he thought it was a good idea,” Wingate said. The 17-year-old started the push for the team, but there was still a lot of work ahead. Students had to draft a petition showing the student body’s interest. Money had to be raised for T-shirts, sweatpants and a coach. Gregory, an assistant teacher at ELHS and a dance instructor at the Dancer’s Edge, seemed a logical choice. Team members raised funds by finding sponsors, selling candy and raffling off a DVD player. “I think it’s taught them how to work together as a team,” says Gregory. Students on the team also had to maintain good grades and “stay out of trouble,” as Gregory put it. Their practices take place indoors and outdoors. Gregory says this has been her first experience working with a step team. To get a handle on some moves, a college student came to one of the practices. Team members, and Gregory, were excited to learn some new moves. The step team broke from their huddle last week, yelled “You know!” and took their places on the gym floor for the last time this year. When the basketball home games wrap up, so does the step team. Gregory and Wingate both hope the team continues next year. While Wingate will graduate in May, she says she’d be willing to return and help coach next year. Gregory also says she’d be happy to return in the fall. Wingate says the team has offered a unique experience. “It’s an opportunity for anyone who has talent to show their talent and spirit.”
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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