Over this past weekend, the Jacksonville J’ettes woke up extra early to participate in their first competition of the season at Mahomet-Seymour High School near Champaign, IL, against various high schools from across Illinois.
Waking up at about 5:45am on Saturday morning, the J’ettes made the two-hour drive to Mahomet, IL, and later competed against Triad High School at 9:45 in the Open Pom division with their Gwen Stefani-themed routine. After arriving at the high school, the nerves started to kick in for the Jacksonville J’ettes. Going into the competition, the J’ettes didn’t feel as strong in their open pom routine as they did towards their other two routines. Despite the uncertainty, the J’ettes shocked everyone including themselves by defeating Triad High School and receiving first place in the 1A Open Pom division.
After this strong performance, the J’ettes were ready to prove themselves once again in the 1A Kick division against Civic Memorial, Jersey, and Fieldcrest High School with their “Dreams” routine. The J’ettes were the first performance in this division. After their high-energy performance, the J’ettes felt confident with this routine as well. Unfortunately, they received second place in this division barely trailing behind Civic with a score lower only by 0.4. At Belleville West High School this upcoming weekend on Sunday, the J’ettes are determined to prove themselves in this division.
The J’ettes finished their first competition with one more performance in the Open Dance division with their “Off to the Races” routine. Within this division, the J’ettes competed against Triad, Civic Memorial, and Mahomet Seymour High School. Unfortunately, the J’ettes received fourth place in this division. They will not be competing in the Open Dance division again for the rest of the season because of this placement.
Overall, the J’ettes were very successful in their first competition of the season. For their next upcoming competition, the J’ettes hope to receive both first place in the Open Pom and Kick divisions.