On Saturday, February 23rd, “SENIOR Day” was celebrated at the Men’s Basketball game in the Harrington Center. The Franklin College Grizzlies played against the College of Mount St. Joseph Lions, and the season ended with an 89-71 home loss. Senior basketball players, Michael and Josh, finished their Lions career as well as senior dance team members, Vanessa and Jodi (me). The day was full of excitement, but a little sad in knowing that this was my last time getting to dance with the team and perform at a Mount basketball game. Honestly, I do not know what I will do without dance in my life; I’m not ready to give it up lol. I have been dancing for twelve years and so, I am really going to miss being on the team next year. Even after I start my career, I would like to make time in my schedule to still be involved with my passion whether it’s coaching, taking adult classes, or dancing/cheering for a pro-football team.
The sports teams at the Mount celebrate “Senior Day” at the last home game of the season to recognize the seniors who are getting ready to graduate and thank them for their hard work, contribution, and dedication to the team. The student athlete’s family is invited to attend and participate in this event. Prior to the game, several of my teammates helped decorate and hang up posters in the gym for the seniors. At game time, the announcer called each senior and their family out onto the gym floor to acknowledge them, and their academic and athletic achievements throughout their years at the Mount. As my parents and I walked out, my coaches gave me a card, flowers, and a gift bag to show their appreciation to my commitment of four years on the dance team. During half time, our team performed two hip-hop routines and one jazz routine. At the end of game, we did the “Fight Song” to the music the band was playing and this is when I realized that my MSJ Dance Team career was officially over. I have so many wonderful memories from dancing at the Mount and it has been great! If you plan to come to the Mount in the fall and are interested in dancing, I would suggest trying out (see website for details or contact one of the coaches). I enjoyed dancing at the Mount because dancing is something I love to do, it is a good way to get involved, and stay in shape. Plus, you can earn college credit and you can put it on your resume.
In the future, I would like to see the college set aside or build an area where dancers and cheerleaders could practice. Both sports require little equipment except for a dance floor, mirrors, high ceilings, and mats. Currently, we practice in the gymnasium which is great, but we have to make sure that our scheduled practice times do not conflict with basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball or some other event. To build an area would cost money, but I feel it would be a good investment; it would be a place we could call our own. Even though we are a division three school and are not dancing on scholarships, I believe it would be a benefit to the students; I feel it would increase interest and be a good recruiting tool. : )