All previous Sapphire officers return to field as senior Lieutenants

Senior Lieutenants are all too familiar with the Friday night lights. The lieutenants for this school year are almost the same as last year, with the addition of two junior Sapphires, Lexy Rel and Onyi Amadi. The lieutenants are all ranked equally under Captain Ruthie Walker.

This is their last season dancing on the football field where they will dance to a variety of songs every other game.

“Strut and a Field routine is the performance for halftime,” Lieutenant Maddie Duval said.

To try out to be an officer is something they had to prepare for. They went through multiple different screenings that weren’t all about dancing.

“We have to make a PowerPoint, have a faculty interview, a director’s interview, an officer interview, a judge’s interview, kick routine, Jazz routine and a solo performance,” Lieutenant Kaitlyn Smith said.

After tryouts, the Sapphires wait in anticipation to hear from their coach, Brittany Miller, whether or not they landed a coveted leadership role.

“It’s stressful but I like getting to learn new, difficult dances,” Lieutenant Catie Shirley said.

Performing and leading their squads for a year has already given them an advantage. They had to show the other Sapphires that they are good role models.

“Presenting yourself in a positive manner is so important because you have the opportunity to influence so many people,” Shirley said.

Not only do they have to spend Friday nights at the stadium, they spend a lot of time outside of school perfecting their dances. On average, the officers practice between two to three hours a day on routines.

“Practicing takes up most of your time, and it is stressful but worth everything in the end,” Smith said.

The officers make up dances, lead their own squads and watch over all the girls to insure they know their parts.

“I love these girls and would do anything for them,” Duval said. “They are my second family.”

The year will end with the Sapphires spring show April 15-16.