April 17, 2007

Shabam! Yup, you can say that again. Now that, my friend, is the sweet sound of victory. It is the sound one makes when a special team that diligently trains for seven months, fine-tuning both mentally and physically, steps out onto the floor of the Regional competition and dominates. Shabam! This weekend was absolutely incredible.

To begin the long day, we all awoke to the bright Arizona sun…. pretty much amazing. I swear, it was a sign. Excitement and enthusiasm permeated the hotel like no other and the entire team was psyched for the competition to begin. But first, we went through some team traditions, visualizing, laughing, and cracking jokes along the way. Can you say FUN? Well, you should because it is the best feeling ever to be able to genuinely connect with such an amazing group of girls.

Anyway, arriving at the University of Arizona, we walked into a locker room filled with spiffy decorations and crepe paper, props to Louie and Sprando. =) Music blasting and having a great time preparing for a grand entrance, we all relaxed a little before we walked out onto the floor. Warm-ups went very smoothly with everyone hitting their skills, giving each girl a preponderance of confidence. And let me tell you. We were prepared. Prepared to hit, prepared to perform, and prepared to have fun.

Bars started off strong with five big hits, followed by five exceptional beam routines. Momentum was building, the arena was filled with screaming gymnasts, and SWG was lighting up the floor with exquisite dance and explosive tumbling. So I pretty much think the audience was mesmerized by the performances. Vault was spectacular with every girl blasting off the horse. We hit, we danced, we laughed, and boy did we conquer.

And then all of a sudden, it was over. I realized that those four hours culminated in one of the greatest college moments, especially for the sophomore and junior class. It was an emotional night, but one never to be forgotten. We are now on our way to the National Championship where all of our hard work will be presented through performance. I have one thing to say: Watch out, because super SWG is here to obliterate. Believe it. :P Thanks for reading. Hope everyone is doing well!

Allyse Ishino