Simley Dance Team Trades Dance Shoes For Golf Clubs

More than 70 golfers from various businesses and sponsors competed in the Simley High School dance team's 18-hole shotgun golf scramble tournament at Emerald Greens Golf Course in Hastings on Saturday.

Simley High School's dance team hoped to raise upwards of $5,000 at the seventh annual tournament. Much of that money will go toward new costumes, coaching salaries, trainers, travel costs, and other expenses. Simley Dance Team Booster Club President Marnie de Leon was the co-chair of the fundraiser, and said the goal is to beat the projected fundraising total and to promote the dance team.

“We see it as a sport, but a lot of people don’t see that,” de Leon said. “It takes a lot of discipline, physical ability, and endurance to be on this team.”

Sophomores and dance team members Annie Mollison and Emily Eichstadt said it is a fun event that brings the team together.

“It’s a really great opportunity for our team to reach out to the community,” Mollison said.

Simley football coach Rex King, 29, was among the attendees at the fundraiser on Saturday.

“I know these girls come to the football games,” King said. “It’s a way to support Simley, not just one particular sport.”

The Simley dance team placed second in the jazz competition at sections this year, earning them a trip to the state tournament in February.

“In the last 17 years we’ve been to state all but two years,” said coach Jennifer Steenberg.

Though it’s only June, the team looks forward to the upcoming season and hopes to make a reappearance at the state tournament.

“Our section is getting tougher,” Mollison said. “But I don’t think that’ll stop us.”