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Fitch Cadets find energy to perform
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Neighbors | Submitted .Members of the Austintown Fitch Danceline practiced dance routines during summer camp. The Cadets perform during Fitch football and basketball games.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Members of the Austintown Fitch Danceline include, from left, (front) Emily Martin, Christina Steele, Lindsay Green, Nina Droege; (middle) Gabriella Gessler, Deanna Mahood, Naudya Bankston, Kirstie Feorene, Alexis Benyo; (back) Brittany Skelton, Brianna Brocious, Gianna Veneroso, Terry Lynn Guisler and Stephanie Schornak. The photo was taken by Robert Senn.
By CHRISTINE KEELING
Members of the Austintown Fitch dance line spend so much time and effort energizing the crowd and the team, sometimes there’s no energy left for themselves.
“Dance line is a big commitment,” said senior Christina Steele. “You have to make sure you practice and make sure you have time.”
Steele said she tries to find time for everything, including a lot of homework. She has been a member of the Fitch Cadets for four years. She is a member of National Honor Society and Austintown Community Church’s youth group and works at Panera Bread.
Dance line coach Lori Gessler said the squad practices two hours a week and that many of the girls take private music and vocal lesson, karate and dance competitively. She said many of the girls also belong to other organizations and have part-time jobs.
The Cadets season runs from July to February. In the spring, the team will return to the VIP Regional Dance Competition where it placed first overall for a pom routine.
The 14 members of Cadets held auditions in May and April and began regular practice in July. They attended a three-day intensive camp where they learned six routines and perfected their techniques.
The Cadets perform at Fitch’s home football and basketball games as well as one Youngstown State University game. They decorate senior players’ lockers and the locker room with banners, signs, mementos and treats.
The girls helped the Austintown Middle School dance line learn line and pep dances that will be used at AMS Night at Fitch’s football game Oct. 1. The Cadets also volunteered their time at the Volley for a Cure volleyball tournament Monday.