Calumet Gearing Up to Put Competitive Dance Shoes on in Missouri

By Mike DeVader, CCSJ Assistant AD of Sports Information & Communications

WHITING, Ind. – The CCSJ competitive dance team has been looking forward to this day and working tirelessly for the moment that's right in front of them tonight.

The Crimson Wave are primed to perform in their first competition of the 2017 season, and are paired with a new duo atop the coaching ranks of the club – Kelsey Scheffer and Mackenzie Ditch – as the co-head coaches lead the squad into tonight's Missouri Baptist Spartan Challenge where Calumet with take the floor at 9 p.m. (Click here for live coverage of the event).

"I have been so impressed by the work ethic these girls have displayed, and coming in as new coaches with an already established team, we were a bit nervous as to how the change would go," Scheffer said. "These eight girls have risen to every challenge presented to them, and we just cannot wait for them to experience the first competitive atmosphere of the season.

"Our season motto is 'If there is a will, there is a Wave' and the girls definitely have the will power to push themselves towards success."

The wound-up thrill of finally being able to start this year's schedule is something that's been hard to contain for not only the dancers, but also the new coaches as well.

"Coach Kelsey and I are so excited to see the girls showcase what they have been working on day-in and day-out in practice on the competition floor this weekend," Ditch added.

Attending two events in one weekend is a bit unusual for dance programs, but the Wave could not pass up the opportunity to compete against some of the top teams in the NAIA. After tonight's outing, the girls take a short trip to Belleville, Ill., to test their skills in the Lindenwood Classic on Jan. 21.

CCSJ will perform at 1 p.m. in Belleville.

The results and scores from these two competitions will set the tone and agenda for the remaining practices of the new campaign.

"We can make necessary adjustments to be as prepared as possible for regionals in late February," Scheffer said. "This year will be the inaugural season where NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance is viewed as a National Championship sport, and it's thrilling to be a part of that transition.

"Our goal as coaches is to help the girls earn the opportunity to perform on a National's floor."

That journey begins tonight at 9 p.m. in St. Louis, Mo.

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For more information on CCSJ Competitive Dance, please click here.