Wednesday night was the spirit program’s Nationals Send-Off, and it went off with only a few flubs that the audience was able to see.
The cheer team and dance team performed after the women’s basketball game at the Save Mart Center as a trial run for this weekend’s competition, the United Spirit Association (USA) Nationals.
Wednesday night was not just about the send-off, but about all of the work that has been put in during the past few months. They have been filled with dedication for these teams and have been focused on technique.
“We had to do two days of choreography that was 6-7 hours each day and had some practices during winter break,” said Adison Page, a cheerleader for the Fresno State team.
Page continued that the past few practices leading up to the send-off were full-out practices for the cheer team. They were trying to “hit zero” which means doing the whole routine with no mistakes. On the mat this translates to zero point deductions.
Wednesday night was full of anticipation, but with a cheering audience and cameras to broadcast their performances, they took it in stride. The send-off was a stepping stone for these teams and they really tried to make the most of the opportunity on and off the floor.
“My favorite memory from yesterday’s send-off was when we were warming up backstage at the Save Mart Center, and just listening to hype music and hitting our stunts,” Page said. “We also messed around and danced and screamed a bunch.”
The camaraderie and teamwork was one of the shining factors in all of the performances. Even through the small mistakes, all of the teams had power and confidence that was easy to spot.
“I’m feeling very nervous but also very excited and hopeful,” Page said. “We’ve trained so hard and dedicated so much so I’m hoping it shows on the mat. But I’m also in love with the routine so I can’t wait to perform it.”
Even though USA Nationals in Anaheim are every year, there are still jitters when it comes to performing. When looking at nationals, it is a far grander scale than that of the send-off. There are thousands of attendees and even more athletes to compete against in hopes of winning a national title.
“I am of course a little nervous, that just comes along with competition, but I am confident in what we are going to put out on that floor this weekend.” said Bree Ortiz, a second year on the Fresno State dance team.
Even through the nerves, the teams are optimistic and have all prepared for this moment. There is also a common theme of pride when talking to the teams about competitions. They all have a want to prove themselves and a want to show people what their teams can do.
“I am excited to go out there with my team and show everyone what Fresno State Dance has to offer and let how hard we have been working show through our dancing,” Ortiz said.
The competition season does have one extra event this season for the Bulldogs. Fresno State’s spirit program has attended the USA Nationals in Anaheim the past few years, but this year they have the opportunity to continue on to Daytona, Florida for the National Cheer Association (NCA) Nationals in April for the first time since 2018.
Though NCA Nationals is coming fast, these teams are spending their time focusing on this weekend. With the want to win and desire of consistency, they are leaning on each other.
“Of course we want to win but in practice, we always talk about doing this for us, for our team,” said Ally Barriga, a third year on the Fresno State dance team. “We are all in it together and the feeling of performing on that stage with my teammates is truly unmatched.”
Nationals are an opportunity for these teams to prove to not only themselves, but to the city of Fresno that they are qualified and capable of performing at the national level.
Representation is everything in the valley and these teams are looking to do it well.
“Representing our Red Wave and the Central Valley is such an honor,” Barriga said. “I will focus on the pride I have for our school and dance my heart out during nationals.”