Spirit Squad Welcomes Future Eagles at Annual Dance and Cheer Clinic
January 19, 2026
The Colby High School Spirit Squad welcomed a new group of future Eagles on Sunday afternoon as it hosted its annual Dance and Cheer Clinic at the Colby Grade School Gym. The short afternoon camp, held January 19, continued a long-standing tradition of introducing elementary-age students to the fundamentals of cheering, dancing, and performing in front of a crowd.
Head coach Denita Rogers was busy rounding up participants prior to the 2:30 p.m. start as the Spirit Squad prepared for what marked its 18th annual clinic. The event has become a staple of the winter sports season in Colby, offering young students a chance to experience the energy and structure of a high school spirit program while creating memories that often last well beyond the day itself.
This year’s clinic drew approximately 70 students from kindergarten through fifth grade, a strong turnout that fell well within the wide range the program has seen over the years. Participation has fluctuated anywhere from two dozen to more than 100 children in past clinics, depending on schedules and community interest. Regardless of the numbers, the focus has remained the same: building confidence, having fun, and fostering school pride at an early age.
The afternoon was structured to keep the younger participants engaged and energized. The clinic began with cheers, allowing the students to learn basic chants and motions they would later perform as a group. Following that session, the group took a short break before transitioning into the dance portion of the camp. During the break, students were treated to a juice pack and cookies, giving them a chance to recharge before jumping back into activity.
After the break, attention turned to choreography. The Spirit Squad members worked closely with the younger students, breaking the dance down into manageable sections and demonstrating each movement step by step. The simplified approach ensured that dancers of all ages and experience levels could follow along, while still feeling challenged and accomplished as the routine came together.
The clinic concluded with a full run-through of the halftime performance the group will present during the Colby High School girls basketball game at the Orange and Black Classic. The performance is scheduled for January 22, with a 6:30 p.m. start in the main gym at the Colby Event Center. For many of the young participants, it will be their first opportunity to perform on a high school floor in front of a large crowd, an experience that often serves as a highlight of the season.
Beyond cheers and dance steps, the Spirit Squad emphasized the importance of performance skills throughout the afternoon. Students were encouraged to smile, project confidence, and keep going even if a mistake was made. Those lessons, modeled by the high school athletes themselves, underscored that being part of a spirit squad is about more than memorization; it is about presence, effort, and enthusiasm.
The annual clinic also reflects the Spirit Squad’s broader role within the Colby community. By investing time in younger students, the squad helps strengthen the connection between grade schoolers and high school activities, while also nurturing interest in future involvement with cheer and dance programs.
As the Orange and Black Classic approaches, the Spirit Squad and their junior counterparts will take the floor together for a moment that blends preparation, excitement, and community pride. For the young dancers and cheerleaders, it will be a chance to showcase what they learned in just one afternoon and to experience firsthand the thrill of performing under the lights as part of Eagle tradition.