Neighbors may have heard cheers and screams coming from the Park Ridge home of Maine South Hawkettes coach Jackie Graney on Sunday night. But it wasn’t a reaction to the Patriots’ comeback victory in the Super Bowl.
Instead, Graney was in her basement celebrating as the Hawkettes were crowned 2017 national champions in the Large High Kick division at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Fla. Large refers to the number of dancers. Graney was joined in her basement by a group that included five other Hawkettes alumni and parents. Maine South last won the title in 2011.
Graney, whose first child is due in three weeks, was not able to travel to the event because of her pregnancy. So, she spent the weekend watching the entire competition on a live stream hooked up to her television and communicating with assistant coaches and dancers via FaceTime, Facebook and phone.
With Graney back in Park Ridge, Hawkettes JV coach Rachel Rosales and varsity assistant Katie Bashir were in charge of the team in Orlando.
While awaiting the final announcement, Graney and the members of her party sat in a circle and held hands, just like the Hawkettes were doing simultaneously at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. Then came the announcement, and pandemonium, both in Florida and Park Ridge.
“We jumped up and down in a circle and cried,” Graney said. “This means everything (to our team). This team works extremely hard all season and spends more time together than with their own families. These girls have an incredibly strong and unique bond.”
Meanwhile, in Orlando, Hawkettes senior captain Kamryn McKenzie said the team began crying with joy after North Dakota’s West Fargo was named runner-up, which meant Maine South was the last team standing.
“When first-place was called, we all jumped up together, hugged and ran towards the trophy,” said McKenzie, who lives in Park Ridge. “The coolest part was that multiple other teams ran up and hugged us and told us how much they loved our routine and celebrated our win with us.”
The Hawkettes routine, to the song “Ocean Princess,” had finished third at the previous week’s IHSA competitive dance finals.
McKenzie said the biggest difference between state and nationals was how the Hawkettes carried themselves immediately before going onstage.
“Before state, we were very emotional before we took the floor, talking about it being the last time we would compete in Illinois and the last time (Graney) would see us live,” McKenzie said. “I think we learned from that experience and were more chill backstage (at nationals). We’re better when we’re more relaxed and calm before we perform.”
Maine South also finished sixth in the Large Varsity Pom division.
Loyola
The Ramblerettes reached the semifinal round in the Small Pom division, but narrowly missed making the finals. They also competed in the Small Jazz competition. Loyola coach Cindy McLean said the team had turned in its best performances in both divisions.
At Sunday night’s awards ceremony, Loyola received the Spirit Leader Award for 2016, which had been announced back in December.
Loyola, the lone dance team to earn this year’s honor, was recognized for its charitable work on behalf of Misericordia, a residential community for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; for improving school spirit by attending the senior night game for all varsity sports and making posters for each senior; and for their academic success.
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“(This award) is an extension of the (school’s) mission and it was something the girls wanted to do, not something I suggested,” McLean said. “We’ve provided lots of service, concentrating on Misericordia, and came up with a plan to raise spirit in the school. All of this was a lot of fun and brought the team together in a great way. It didn’t have to do with the competitive side of dance, but was focused on others.”
In anticipation of the award, a television camera person followed Loyola’s 14-member team around all weekend, gathering behind-the-scenes footage of warm-ups, huddles and the moments when the Ramblerettes ran off stage. Some footage was used for a montage at the awards ceremony, and McLean said she was told some of the video could be used during ESPN’s delayed broadcast of the UDA National Championship in the spring.
Glenbrook South
Titan Poms finished 12th in the Large Pom division with a routine coach Julie Smith described as hard-hitting and technical. She said it featured sassy jazz elements. It included songs from Beyoncé, DNCE, Andy Grammer and Missy Elliott.
Glenbrook South also reached the semifinal round in the Large Jazz division.
Smith, in her 15th season, said the current Titan Poms are one of the most talented teams she has coached.
“We have individually talented kids,” Smith said. “More than any other team, they take corrections very well and are able to improve themselves week-to-week.”
New Trier
The New Trier Dance Team competed in the Large Hip Hop division with a routine that co-coach Bryce Curry said included strong, technical movement. Wearing Adidas-branded clothing, New Trier danced to a mix of songs that included top 40 hits from Lil Jon and Fergie.
Of the local teams at nationals, New Trier is the only one that does not participate in the IHSA competitive dance competition; however, co-coach Heather Wiggins said the team might compete in the IHSA in the future.
Nationals was New Trier’s only competition of the season.
“Every year, we take what we get back from judges (at nationals) and try to change the next year, try to be in a state of constant growth and development,” Curry said.
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press