Bridge City High School Strutters

The Bridge City Strutter’s competition shirts say it all – “We’re Kind of a Big Deal” – and big deal they are after earning the title of Team National Champions in the medium team category. The Strutters earned the title of Team National Champions after competing in five team numbers and winning National Champions in three of those numbers. This is first for the Strutters and they could not be more pleased; a lot of hard work and dedication went into this year and the girls’ efforts have paid off with outstanding results.

The Strutters competed in the American Dance/Drill Team National/International Competition this weekend held in Denton, Texas at the University of North Texas. The Strutters performed five team numbers in the categories of prop, kick, jazz, novelty and open. They earned National Champion title in the categories of prop, kick and novelty and were 1st runner-up in the jazz category. They also competed in the International Competition earning International Champions in the categories of Kick and Novelty and 2nd runner up in prop category. The Strutters earned the International ranking of 5th out of 25 teams.

The Officers earned 2nd runner up in the medium team category by competing in three categories of novelty, lyrical and jazz. They were awarded 1st runner up in the jazz category, 2nd runner up in novelty and 2nd runner up in the lyrical category.

The Strutters also won the Gussie Nell Davis Award of Excellence which is awarded to teams that compete in 3 or more categories and scored higher than 90 in each category. They also earned 1st place ranking in Curtain Call Academic Champions award with a grade point average of 3.57.

Sarah English was named National Miss High Kick with Klacie Norris as the 1st runner up. Jordyn Ewing was named National JV Miss High Kick. These young ladies were chosen as kick finalists from camps or contests prior to National competition. More than 150 kick finalists tried out for National Miss High Kick.

Allison Fitts and Katelyn Norman were both awarded Solo Finalist-3rd Runner Up-Medium Category, while Sarah English was award 6th place. Caitlin Villanoueva and Katelyn Broussard were awarded Duet Finalist -2nd place in medium category.

Cathy Riley was awarded Director Award of Excellence. This award is given to only two directors at the competition with over 120 directors present. This is a big honor for Mrs. Riley who was in total shock as she accepted her award. The girls could not have been more proud of their director as she was recognized as one of the best.

The competition team consists of Captain Hannah Dunahoe, 1st Lt. Allison Fitts, Lt. Caitlin Villanoueva, Lt. Sarah English, Lt. Klacie Norris, Katelyn Broussard, Carissa Saenz, Marla Carter, Lacey Serrette, Tara Townes, Emily Ginn, Gretchen Hollier, Katelyn Norman, Alyson Smith, Meghan Smith, Mallory Wappler, Jordyn Ewing, and Allison Morphew. Director is Cathy Riley and Assistant Director is Jane Busby.

View Gallery of images from the 2008 National Championship Competition here.