Dedication, determination, and ambition is what drives the athletes of Urbana High School. There is no contrast between the effort of an Urbana athlete and a dancer on the UHS Pom’s Club.

“They are the spirit team. They are the people who train and work so hard to put on a great performance, to make the crowd feel something exciting and feel entertained,” assistant coach Alex Shovlin said.  

When the buzzer signals halftime, people tend to use the time to get something to eat or socialize. However, when students and the people of Urbana show up for the football team, they are also showing up for the cheerleaders, the band and the Pom’s club.

Captain and senior Audrey Choe has spoken about this topic saying “I run the social media account so I post the performances and whatever we do throughout the season to promote the club. I feel recognized but I think there is always more that we can do to showcase our team.” She is not the only one that feels there could be more respect shown to the club of dedicated dancers.

A two to three minute routine doesn’t represent the amount of time and effort that truly goes into the halftime performance.  “We work very hard at creating different formations with a specified visual appeal throughout a routine that draws everyone’s attention,” Shovlin addressed.

Choreographing a dance requires Shovlin and the head coach, Sonja Davis, to utilize all the member’s skills and strengths. “Our dances are fast-paced and upbeat. While we choreograph, we incorporate challenging kick lines, making shapes and visuals while girls tumble or showcase other tricks,” Shovlin said.

Just a few years ago, the team was restricted to only seventeen girls but with the talent that continues to come, Urbana High couldn’t be limited to just seventeen. Within a group of 30 girls there is a lot of diversity from dance training and flexibility among other things. The coaches and captains do an amazing job at learning about each dancer individually to help the team thrive.

Everyone has something to bring to the table and using all strengths from members of the club, they create unison in how they dance. When you wear the uniform with Urbana across your chest and a bow in your hair, you represent all of UHS.

Along with all the work that goes into this club, there are many memorable moments that really emphasize how great of a group this team is. Junior Reagan Davis said, “Anytime we are warming up on the side when the team is still playing, we’re always goofing around watching the players.”

Even teachers have spoken highly about the team. Beloved history teacher Mr. Blaser vocalized his opinion on the club saying 

Mr. Brubaker is a part of the big Homecoming performance where Poms, Cheer, staff, and the Urbaniacs dance together. Brubaker said “My favorite part of the homecoming performance is putting on a show for the kids and the kick line. I am for sure the best one at the kicks.”

The next time you show up to our home games at UHS, make sure you take a seat during halftime and let these girls captivate your attention.

We promise that you will be impressed.