Kearsten Ball and Chloe Brooks

Writers

Kicking their way to a state championship, the Marlow High School Bootleggers earned their fourth state title at the state competition on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Arriving at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa, the Bootleggers performed in the Pom and Kick portion of the competition, in which their kick routine sealed their 2-A, 3-A, 4-A Kick State Championship.

Since the end of football season in mid-November, the Bootleggers have tirelessly prepared to achieve a high award.

Finding that practice makes perfect, junior Grace Banks described the process of the team’s preparation.

“It took lots of motivation and remembering our reason for being at practice,” said Banks. “We had such limited time to practice before school, so much of our improvements came from everyone practicing the routine at home.”

For three months, the team held their daily morning practices at 5 a.m. to perfect their routines.

Stepping up and becoming a leader of the team, senior Sydney Blundell expressed her actions to help inspire her fellow teammates.

“My coach encouraged me to do my best and be a good leader for my team,” said Blundell. “I gave my girls speeches to make them work harder and want to win.”

Leesha Crowson, the Bootleggers head coach, explained her hope and pride into this year’s squad.

“I had confidence that we would do well,” said Crowson. “They performed during both halftimes of the Marlow vs. Washington basketball game, and it really boosted the girls’ confidence levels. They were fun to watch and a crowd favorite.”

With hours of dancing, kicking and exerting energy, after performing in front of judges, the MHS Bootleggers were announced as the 2019 Kick State Champions.

Being a part of the team since her freshman year, senior Lindley Newberry described her emotions as she received her first state championship.

“Winning state was one of my top goals I had wanted to accomplish this year, and I got it,” said Newberry. “It feels amazing to be a state champion. I feel accomplished – all of the hours of my hard work and dedication paid off. Not only me but also the whole team worked hard, and I don’t know how to describe them as anything other than amazing.”

Alongside Newberry, four year squad member Blundell expressed her achievement of aspiration.

“Being a state champion is the best feeling ever,” said Blundell. “Being seniors on the team, Lindley and I had never won such a high achievement. Sharing that accomplishment with the team was special to me.”

With the end of the Bootleggers season here, Crowson reflected on the skills and growth of the team.

“This group is so special because they all work together and get along so well,” said Crowson. “While our Pom performance highlighted our energy, sass, strength of movement, projection and visuals, the kick performance fit our style because it’s what we do all season.”

The Bootleggers next season will begin with a dance bootcamp in February and tryouts in March where the team hopes to pick up their skills they left off with.