Westside Showcased a True Competition of Excellence

By Arte Reed, Nebraska Contributor

Westside had a spectacular competition that showcased a variety of groups both from within and outside the state of Nebraska. Each group showed their stuff in a well-rounded competition that featured a variety of excellent programs.

Prep Division

Grand Champion: Valley "Ignition"

1st Runner Up: Millard West "Swing Cats"

2nd Runner Up: Lincoln Southwest "Ambience"

3rd Runner Up: Grand Island "Future Image"

Ignition added another win to their record, now up to two prep championships on the season. Swing Cats started their season off strong against Ambience, who was three competitions ahead of them. Even so, both groups were head-to-head with a close finish, with Swing Cats taking second place.

Womens Division

Grand Champion: Millard West "Uptown"

1st Runner Up: Marian "Momentum"

2nd Runner Up: Mercy "Treblemakers"

3rd Runner Up: Grand Island "Sweet Revelation"

Millard West did not give up. Uptown took a trip into fashion design and came back looking stylish with their first win in the women's division. Marian showed their fire that brought them to second place, going ahead of Mercy and Grand Island. Treblemakers and Sweet Revelation had unique and lighthearted shows, but only one could be placed on top. Treblemakers placed third while Sweet Revelation placed fourth.

Final Results

Grand Champion: Millard West "West in the Groove" (BV/BB)

1st Runner Up: Mitchell "Friend de Coup" (BC)

2nd Runner Up: Lincoln Southwest "Resonance"

3rd Runner Up: Valley "Choralation"

4th Runner Up: Grand Island "Ultimate Image"

5th Runner Up: Millard West "Uptown"

The first group to be announced in finals was Uptown. The gym roared with excitement as the students jumped with joy when they were announced to be in finals. It was between them, Bellevue East and Valley Ignition. They placed sixth overall, but it was an honor for them to be in finals for their first competition of the season. Grand Island journeyed to the dark side of the moon while Valley journeyed through the writings of Shakespeare, and each placed fifth and fourth respectively. Lincoln Southwest, now on their third competition in a row, placed third to Mitchell and Millard West. Their Grinch, Tyler Stover, received best soloist once again. Mitchell debuted their show titled Euphoria, rode the waves to second place, and claimed Best Choreography from Millard West. West in the Groove had an excellent start to their season, claiming their first grand championship with an addition of Best Vocals and Best Band.

So where is everyone off to next? Grand Island will compete at Grand Island Northwest this next weekend, facing Hastings, Lincoln Northeast, and Bellevue West. Valley will be at North Polk on February 15th. Lincoln Southwest will be hosting their competition next weekend, and attendees include Pius X, Wahoo, Sioux Falls Washington, Papillion-La Vista, and Bellevue East. Mitchell and Millard West will be at Urbandale on February 15th, one of the top Iowa competitions of the year. Other attendees include Johnston, Waukee Northwest, Waukee, and Broken Arrow.