New Team, Same Expectations: Poms Look Forward to Continue Division I Success

The poms perform their signature move, the worm, at the first pep rally of the year Sept. 5. --Claudia Mirembe

The poms perform their signature move, the worm, at the first pep rally of the year Sept. 5. –Claudia Mirembe

The poms perform their signature move, the worm, at the first pep rally of the year Sept. 5. --Claudia Mirembe
The poms perform their signature move, the worm, at the first pep rally of the year Sept. 5. –Claudia Mirembe

Coming off a Division II title in 2012, a second place Division II finish in 2013 and a third place Division I finish in 2014, the bar is set high for the RHS pom squad this year.

Led by senior captains Nora Wahlbrink, Lital Elfassi and Madison Cary, the team looks to continue their success this upcoming season with the addition of six girls. They have their work cut out for them though as the squad lost five seniors, but still are held to the high standards of years past.

Freshman Tia Puskar is new to the team, but feels comfortable in her abilities and is optimistic about the future. She took dance lessons for eight years at Elite Dance Studio and also grew up watching her older sister, RHS alumna Lili Puskar (2014), dance on poms, which influenced her decision to join the squad.

Puskar was a little overwhelmed at first with the daily two hour practices and pre-IB workload, but quickly became accustomed to the routine.

“I love being on poms. Making friends with the upperclassmen and seeing familiar faces around makes the transition into high school much easier,” Puskar said.

The seniors have taken on their role as leaders by giving not only advice about the girls’ technique, but also how to stay positive and serve as role models to other students in the school.

“They have been huge in taking control of this team and we need them if we going to be able to compete during the competition season,” coach Kelly Warsaw said.

The team had their first performance at the RHS pep rally Sept 5. and later that night at the RHS vs. Richard Montgomery HS football game. With record-breaking attendance at the game, the stage was set to see how the squad would react under pressure.

“We look a little sloppy now, but the beginning of the season is always the hardest because it takes time for the new girls to adjust to the learning pace of the returning girls,” senior Leena Eshack said.

later that night at the RHS vs. Richard Montgomery HS football game. With record-breaking attendance at the game, the stage was set to see how they would react under pressure.

“The beginning of the season is always the hardest because it takes time for the new girls to adjust to the learning pace of the returning girls,” Eshack said.