By: Chelsie Yokum
Twice a week at 6:00 in the morning, the dance team can be found hard at work in the small gym, preparing for upcoming performances and competitions. The girls are motivated by their desire to look good on the dance floor and do well at regional and state competitions. But for freshman Laura Wuthnow, however, this motivation springs from another source.
Wuthnow has taken on the role of manager for the Pommies—a new position created just this season. Her motivation stems not from a goal to perform well with the team, but rather an individual aspiration.
“It’s cool because I’ll always be the first ever,” Wuthnow said.
Wuthnow has the same responsibilities that any sports manager has: she attends every practice—morning, afternoon, and weekends—as well as every performance and fundraiser, ranging from Friday night football games to car washes and junior Pommie clinics. She works the music during practices and at games as well.
“[Laura is] my extra set of hands,” said pom coach Marisa Clevenger. “She runs music in practice, will be running music at regionals and state, help[s] the team get ready, [and is] in charge of any props and poms at performances.”
Other than her standard managing responsibilities, Wuthnow also dances with the squad during practices. She warms up and stretches with them and learns all of their routines.
“I get an extra pair of eyes. Sometimes she can catch things that are wrong because she knows the choreography,” Clevenger said. “I wanted to add this for the last couple of seasons and saw a willing spirit in Laura and thought she would do a nice job.”
After dancing for twelve years at All About Dance by Katye, managing pom can be an enjoyable experience for Wuthnow.
“[Practicing with the team], I know I’ll get better, and I’ll have a really good chance of actually making the team next year,” Wuthnow said.
Wuthnow feels the job has plenty of downsides as well, however.
“Really, I don’t like being manager,” Wuthnow said. “But I guess I’m luckier than some girls that tried out. Being manager means I’m part of the team. [The worst part is] watching everything that’s going on and knowing that you’re not going to be a part of it. I don’t really do anything except learn the dance and just be prepared.”
Co-captain senior Melanie Holmgren has similar views.
“I haven’t noticed any changes yet. Even after all these months we don’t really know her place. She’s run our music a couple times at games,” Holmgren said. “I think there could be advantages to having [a manager], but so far we haven’t had much of a benefit from it.”
Clevenger, however, feels the new position is having a positive effect on the team.
“Any girl has an impact on the team, and Laura is no exception. She brings her own energy and perspective to every practice. She is very positive and works as hard as the pom squad, and I hope she has learned a lot through the year,” Clevenger said. “That was my main goal.”