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Williamson on Bobcats Dance Team; baseball softball players ready to go
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Jennifer Williamson used to get a rush performing in front of the Minges Maniacs. But that pales in comparison to how Williamson feels when she struts her stuff in front of thousands of fans.
Williamson, a former ECU Dance Team member, is now a performer with the Charlotte Bobcats Dance Team.
While several eyes follow her every move, Williamson says the most gratifying feeling she gets is putting a smile on a little girl’s face.
“The most exciting part is all the fans that truly love us,” Williamson said. “There are people that love the dancers as much as the team. They want our autographs, pictures with us, or just to talk to us.
“The little girls look up to you and want to be just like you. I remember being that little girl myself once. Now I’m the one they are looking at. It’s such an inspiring thought. For me, that is the best part.”
While Williamson has danced in front of large audiences before, she still remembers her first performance at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
“Performing in an NBA arena for the first time was unbelievable,” she said. “After doing this for so many years, you try to fight the nerves with thoughts like, ‘It’s just another stage, just a different place," or ‘I’ve got this; I’ve done it a million times before; I know what I’m doing.’ But in all actuality, our arena seats over 20,000 people. It’s a whole new level of excitement.
“There are thousands of eyes on you from all directions in the stands, cameras right in your face trying to capture close-ups for the big screens and for television, photographers lined up along the sidelines and the giant-sized NBA basketball players sharing the stage with me. It is so loud from screaming fans. I am smiling and dancing, feeling the adrenaline throughout my body, and trying not to trip over the camera guy and his cables.”
Williamson and her teammates do much more than just perform at games.
“The Bobcats organization plays a huge role in the Charlotte community, so we are constantly being asked to do things outside the arena,” Williamson said. “We do many charity events, general promotions for the basketball season, traveling promoting the team, parades and attending other local sporting events on behalf of the Bobcats.”
Williamson had to go through a rigorous tryout to make the team. She was one of over 400 applicants who signed up for auditions.
“The actual audition process consisted of a series of learning routines, performing them on the spot and casual interviews,” Williamson said. “A group of 35 finalists were chosen to go through the next two weeks of practices, drills and a formal interview with the coach and judges.
“Our interview was filmed to judge us on how we came across on television, due to the extensive media we are around. On the final night of auditions, we had to perform five different routines, perform with the group and sit rather impatiently waiting on the judges decisions.”
The judges and coaches picked 19 team members and four alternates. Williamson still remembers her reaction to hearing her name get called.
“I heard the words, ‘Contestant No. 4, Jennifer,’ and I completely forgot that was me,” she said with a laugh. “I was completely speechless. I ran down to the court, got my ‘Welcome to the team t-shirt’ and started taking pictures for the first time. It was during those first photo-flashes that it really started to sink in. All I could think was, ‘wow.’”
Now that she’s made the team, the attractive, athletic performer constantly works out to stay in shape.
“To even be considered at this caliber, you have to come with a certain ‘look.’” Williamson said. “You have to be physically fit from the beginning to make it anywhere near the finals. I usually go running two to three times a week. I have different aerobic routines I do on my own once in awhile, and each practice is basically two hours of cardio. It’s tough sometimes but, in the end, it’s worth it.”
It takes much more than simply being pretty and physically fit to compete at the next level. Going from high school to college is a giant step in its own right.
“To get to the next level in anything takes determination, discipline and a true commitment to whatever it is you want to accomplish,” Williamson said. “It takes a lot of work to continue performing in college. You are walking into a much bigger playing field, with more people who are just as good as you, others not so much, and some that are just too talented for words. You have to be physically trained as well as mentally prepared for the competition you face.”
Once an athlete has reached the next plateau, the work doesn’t stop.
“The work has just begun once the next level is reached. Goals are not only attained, but maintained. To stay where you are takes as much focus and responsibility, if not more, than what it took to get you to that next level. You sacrifice your personal time for practices, games and workouts.
“Most college dance teams support their football, men’s and women’s basketball, as well as baseball programs. They are spokespersons for the athletic programs, ambassadors for the college and representatives in the community. It is an honor, but with honor comes responsibility.”
Along with the physical work, Williamson said getting to the next level also takes a commitment and hard work in the classroom.
“Grades are very important in reaching goals,” she said. “Good grades are simply the result of persistent study, discipline and focus. You need good grades to get accepted into colleges in the first place. but the habits developed from good study carry over into dancing on a collegiate level.
“Most collegiate athletic programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA from each athlete, dancers included. You have to be able to commit the time and energy to all of the dance requirements as well as keeping good grades as a full time student — all without having a parent or guardian standing over you telling you what to do. You need to develop good habits, time management and self discipline to keep a good balance between being a student and being a collegiate athlete.”
Through her hard work, Williamson is now performing on one of the biggest stages imaginable.
“Dancing for the NBA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Williamson said. “By achieving this level, I am now a representative in the Charlotte community, supporter of professional sports and dance in front of thousands of fans two to three nights a week.
“I have 21 years of dance experience, (but all) were not always easy. I had to keep going through the good and the bad if I wanted to keep pursuing a dream. My dream was to be a professional dancer. It takes passion, dedication, commitment, hard work, focus and persistency. I did it, one goal at a time.”
Williamson is living her dream as a Bobcat dancer, and that dream gets all the sweeter when she can put a smile on a fan’s face. Especially a little girl’s face.
“For me, there is no greater feeling than being out on the court knowing that there is a little girl somewhere in the crowd, watching and saying, ‘Mommy. I want to be just like her one day,’” Williamson said. “I used to be that little girl, and now I have been blessed with the opportunity to inspire her to always strive for the next level.”
College baseball, softball players ready to go
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
The East Carolina baseball team had to wait for Mother Nature before they could take to the field for its scheduled first official practice Friday afternoon.
The Pirates begin the season Feb. 22 at South Carolina.
Freshman Trent Whitehead, a former star at Washington High School, is hoping to help lead the team to some lofty goals.
“The goals the team and coach (Billy) Godwin have preached since day one is to win Conference USA, win the C-USA Tournament, host a regional and go to the College World Series,” Whitehead said. “As far as me, the only goal I have is to do any and everything to help us win. If it’s just me being a pinch runner or hitter, or me starting every game, I just want to help the team win.”
T.J. Hose, ECU’s pitching ace, said the team’s focus is playing in the College World Series.
“Our goals for the season are not just getting to a regional and being satisfied, we want to be able to host a regional and win it,” said Hose, a preseason C-USA First Team selection. “We want to go to the super regional and win that and, last and most important and everyone's goal, Omaha.”
Hose believes the Pirates have the tools necessary to make a deep run this year.
“Practice has been going good,” he said. “We have a lot of talent and depth here this year. This is the most excited I have been since I have been here at ECU about our team.
“The sky is the limit for us. If we all believe in one another, focus on the same thing, I think this team has a chance to do some special things this year.”
Mount Olive College will begin its season today with a doubleheader at home against Tusculum. Trojan second baseman Anthony Williams, a former standout at Williamston High School, is looking to help his team any way possible.
“This season I am working to perfect and contribute more to our small ball offensive (bunting/hit and running/ moving runners), contribute more to the team with base running and stealing and my shortstop and I are striving to lead the country in double plays again.
“The team's ultimate goal is to complete our season with a national title, which I truly believe we can accomplish. With all that I have been through this school year, the main goal, on and off the field, that keeps me prospering is putting God first.”
Two other former Tigers are teaming up once again at Elizabeth City State University. J.J. House an Styron Barfield are hoping for big things for the Vikings, who open play Feb. 13 at The Apprentice School in Hampton, Va.
“The main goal here at ECSU is to win the CIAA championship and get a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs,” said House, a speedy outfielder. “I've been a team-type of dude since I've stepped on the field and that hasn't changed. We have practically the same ball club this year that we did last season. We are a very talented bunch in my opinion and I believe that we can turn some heads in D-II ball.
“We have to stay focused and make sure that when Feb. 13 gets here that the ball is rolling.”
Barfield, a standout pitcher for the Vikings, is ready to take the ball again.
“Practice is going good,” he said. “We’ve been doing a lot of running and throwing and working out our lower body.
“My goal this year is to take my game to the next level. I want to lower my ERA and increase my strikeouts and just increase my overall performance.”
SOFTBALL
Several former area stars and East Carolina athletes have been gearing up for the softball seasons to begin.
Games get started much sooner for some than others.
Nicole Jordan, who had a sensational freshman year at Pitt Community College last year, and her Bulldogs begin play Sunday at Mount Olive College. The former Jamesville High School standout is looking for an even stronger season this year.
“Some of my goals are improving my stats and improving enough to play for a Division I college,” Jordan said. “Also, staying healthy and winning a conference championship (are goals). Practice has been going great (and) we have a very good team this year. I’m very excited about our season.”
In the other dugout will be former Columbia High School standout Kat Cahoon, who had a solid year with Mount Olive last season.
“Our team is starting to bond and come together,” Cahoon said. “One of my main goals is to become a consistent hitter in the box. I batted over .350 last year and I want to maintain that batting average to help the team. I want to use my leadership to run our team to the best of my ability. I have set the standards high for my team this year.
“As a team I want everyone to learn each others strengths and weaknesses and know how to communicate to one another. Communication and working together will get us our conference wins and then our regional wins. We all have to come together and learn how to play as ‘one heart beat.’"
Meredith Knox and her Anderson University Trojans will also be in action Sunday as they play host to Lincoln Memorial. Knox, a former star at Washington High School, was voted the conference Freshman of the Year last season.
“I think one of the main things I'm trying to do this year is not set goals that are too high,” Knox said. “By that I mean setting goals that don't put way too much pressure on me, because I am my own biggest critic. Yes, I had a pretty good freshman year, but one of my main struggles is that I can't keep comparing my performance this year to last.
“I guess my main goals are to just take every game, at bat, and ground ball one at a time and try to do my best to help my team make it farther than this school has ever been.”
Frannie Pittman, a former standout at Plymouth High School who has earned a couple awards during her college playing days, and the N.C. Central Eagles will be joined by East Carolina at a tournament hosted by the University of North Carolina. The Eagles open play Feb. 8 against Kent State in the tournament.
“My goals are to win games and learn more from my new coach,” Pittman said. “When it comes to practice, everything is going good and I can't wait until the first game against Kent State University.”
ECU will play N.C. Central in its first game at the tournament. Pirate seniors Beth Nolan and Erin St. Ledger are hoping for a hot start.
“I want to do everything I can to help the team, to have a winning record, win a conference championship, to get a bid to regionals and to bring my knowledge and experience to the team to help us succeed,” Nolan said. “Practice is going good and everything is starting to come together at the right time.”
St. Ledger, the team’s second baseman, is looking to avoid peaks and valleys this year.
“We're definitely trying to stay consistent throughout the year,” she said. “We have a really tough schedule, but we feel that is our ticket to get a regional bid.”
Meanwhile, ECU freshman Jillian Gallagher has been getting accustomed to the college game.
“I’ve been working on adjusting to the level of play here at ECU,” Gallagher said. “I’ve also been adjusting to the way coach (Tracey) Kee and Coach Koz (Natalie Kozlowski) want things to be done. Practice is going well. It’s a huge learning process for me along with the other freshman.”
A healthy Mika Gurganus is hoping to stay that way all season for the Barton College Bulldogs, who open the season Feb. 14 at home against N.C. Central. Gurganus, who will start at second base, has overcome a torn MCL, sprained meniscus and sprained LCL.
“To be honest, my biggest goal is to stay healthy,” said Gurganus, a former standout at Williamston High School. “I have not played a complete season yet because my freshman year I was out for a while with a head injury and my sophomore year I was taken out in a tournament by a dive at my knee. This year, as of right now, I am doing great and, hopefully, that will continue into the season.
“Another goal is to have a .275 batting average and have a great on-base percentage. Our coaches and players have great hopes for this season and, with a healthy team, we hope to have a fun-filled, winning season.”
Williamson, a former ECU Dance Team member, is now a performer with the Charlotte Bobcats Dance Team.
While several eyes follow her every move, Williamson says the most gratifying feeling she gets is putting a smile on a little girl’s face.
“The most exciting part is all the fans that truly love us,” Williamson said. “There are people that love the dancers as much as the team. They want our autographs, pictures with us, or just to talk to us.
“The little girls look up to you and want to be just like you. I remember being that little girl myself once. Now I’m the one they are looking at. It’s such an inspiring thought. For me, that is the best part.”
While Williamson has danced in front of large audiences before, she still remembers her first performance at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
“Performing in an NBA arena for the first time was unbelievable,” she said. “After doing this for so many years, you try to fight the nerves with thoughts like, ‘It’s just another stage, just a different place," or ‘I’ve got this; I’ve done it a million times before; I know what I’m doing.’ But in all actuality, our arena seats over 20,000 people. It’s a whole new level of excitement.
“There are thousands of eyes on you from all directions in the stands, cameras right in your face trying to capture close-ups for the big screens and for television, photographers lined up along the sidelines and the giant-sized NBA basketball players sharing the stage with me. It is so loud from screaming fans. I am smiling and dancing, feeling the adrenaline throughout my body, and trying not to trip over the camera guy and his cables.”
Williamson and her teammates do much more than just perform at games.
“The Bobcats organization plays a huge role in the Charlotte community, so we are constantly being asked to do things outside the arena,” Williamson said. “We do many charity events, general promotions for the basketball season, traveling promoting the team, parades and attending other local sporting events on behalf of the Bobcats.”
Williamson had to go through a rigorous tryout to make the team. She was one of over 400 applicants who signed up for auditions.
“The actual audition process consisted of a series of learning routines, performing them on the spot and casual interviews,” Williamson said. “A group of 35 finalists were chosen to go through the next two weeks of practices, drills and a formal interview with the coach and judges.
“Our interview was filmed to judge us on how we came across on television, due to the extensive media we are around. On the final night of auditions, we had to perform five different routines, perform with the group and sit rather impatiently waiting on the judges decisions.”
The judges and coaches picked 19 team members and four alternates. Williamson still remembers her reaction to hearing her name get called.
“I heard the words, ‘Contestant No. 4, Jennifer,’ and I completely forgot that was me,” she said with a laugh. “I was completely speechless. I ran down to the court, got my ‘Welcome to the team t-shirt’ and started taking pictures for the first time. It was during those first photo-flashes that it really started to sink in. All I could think was, ‘wow.’”
Now that she’s made the team, the attractive, athletic performer constantly works out to stay in shape.
“To even be considered at this caliber, you have to come with a certain ‘look.’” Williamson said. “You have to be physically fit from the beginning to make it anywhere near the finals. I usually go running two to three times a week. I have different aerobic routines I do on my own once in awhile, and each practice is basically two hours of cardio. It’s tough sometimes but, in the end, it’s worth it.”
It takes much more than simply being pretty and physically fit to compete at the next level. Going from high school to college is a giant step in its own right.
“To get to the next level in anything takes determination, discipline and a true commitment to whatever it is you want to accomplish,” Williamson said. “It takes a lot of work to continue performing in college. You are walking into a much bigger playing field, with more people who are just as good as you, others not so much, and some that are just too talented for words. You have to be physically trained as well as mentally prepared for the competition you face.”
Once an athlete has reached the next plateau, the work doesn’t stop.
“The work has just begun once the next level is reached. Goals are not only attained, but maintained. To stay where you are takes as much focus and responsibility, if not more, than what it took to get you to that next level. You sacrifice your personal time for practices, games and workouts.
“Most college dance teams support their football, men’s and women’s basketball, as well as baseball programs. They are spokespersons for the athletic programs, ambassadors for the college and representatives in the community. It is an honor, but with honor comes responsibility.”
Along with the physical work, Williamson said getting to the next level also takes a commitment and hard work in the classroom.
“Grades are very important in reaching goals,” she said. “Good grades are simply the result of persistent study, discipline and focus. You need good grades to get accepted into colleges in the first place. but the habits developed from good study carry over into dancing on a collegiate level.
“Most collegiate athletic programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA from each athlete, dancers included. You have to be able to commit the time and energy to all of the dance requirements as well as keeping good grades as a full time student — all without having a parent or guardian standing over you telling you what to do. You need to develop good habits, time management and self discipline to keep a good balance between being a student and being a collegiate athlete.”
Through her hard work, Williamson is now performing on one of the biggest stages imaginable.
“Dancing for the NBA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Williamson said. “By achieving this level, I am now a representative in the Charlotte community, supporter of professional sports and dance in front of thousands of fans two to three nights a week.
“I have 21 years of dance experience, (but all) were not always easy. I had to keep going through the good and the bad if I wanted to keep pursuing a dream. My dream was to be a professional dancer. It takes passion, dedication, commitment, hard work, focus and persistency. I did it, one goal at a time.”
Williamson is living her dream as a Bobcat dancer, and that dream gets all the sweeter when she can put a smile on a fan’s face. Especially a little girl’s face.
“For me, there is no greater feeling than being out on the court knowing that there is a little girl somewhere in the crowd, watching and saying, ‘Mommy. I want to be just like her one day,’” Williamson said. “I used to be that little girl, and now I have been blessed with the opportunity to inspire her to always strive for the next level.”
College baseball, softball players ready to go
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
The East Carolina baseball team had to wait for Mother Nature before they could take to the field for its scheduled first official practice Friday afternoon.
The Pirates begin the season Feb. 22 at South Carolina.
Freshman Trent Whitehead, a former star at Washington High School, is hoping to help lead the team to some lofty goals.
“The goals the team and coach (Billy) Godwin have preached since day one is to win Conference USA, win the C-USA Tournament, host a regional and go to the College World Series,” Whitehead said. “As far as me, the only goal I have is to do any and everything to help us win. If it’s just me being a pinch runner or hitter, or me starting every game, I just want to help the team win.”
T.J. Hose, ECU’s pitching ace, said the team’s focus is playing in the College World Series.
“Our goals for the season are not just getting to a regional and being satisfied, we want to be able to host a regional and win it,” said Hose, a preseason C-USA First Team selection. “We want to go to the super regional and win that and, last and most important and everyone's goal, Omaha.”
Hose believes the Pirates have the tools necessary to make a deep run this year.
“Practice has been going good,” he said. “We have a lot of talent and depth here this year. This is the most excited I have been since I have been here at ECU about our team.
“The sky is the limit for us. If we all believe in one another, focus on the same thing, I think this team has a chance to do some special things this year.”
Mount Olive College will begin its season today with a doubleheader at home against Tusculum. Trojan second baseman Anthony Williams, a former standout at Williamston High School, is looking to help his team any way possible.
“This season I am working to perfect and contribute more to our small ball offensive (bunting/hit and running/ moving runners), contribute more to the team with base running and stealing and my shortstop and I are striving to lead the country in double plays again.
“The team's ultimate goal is to complete our season with a national title, which I truly believe we can accomplish. With all that I have been through this school year, the main goal, on and off the field, that keeps me prospering is putting God first.”
Two other former Tigers are teaming up once again at Elizabeth City State University. J.J. House an Styron Barfield are hoping for big things for the Vikings, who open play Feb. 13 at The Apprentice School in Hampton, Va.
“The main goal here at ECSU is to win the CIAA championship and get a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs,” said House, a speedy outfielder. “I've been a team-type of dude since I've stepped on the field and that hasn't changed. We have practically the same ball club this year that we did last season. We are a very talented bunch in my opinion and I believe that we can turn some heads in D-II ball.
“We have to stay focused and make sure that when Feb. 13 gets here that the ball is rolling.”
Barfield, a standout pitcher for the Vikings, is ready to take the ball again.
“Practice is going good,” he said. “We’ve been doing a lot of running and throwing and working out our lower body.
“My goal this year is to take my game to the next level. I want to lower my ERA and increase my strikeouts and just increase my overall performance.”
SOFTBALL
Several former area stars and East Carolina athletes have been gearing up for the softball seasons to begin.
Games get started much sooner for some than others.
Nicole Jordan, who had a sensational freshman year at Pitt Community College last year, and her Bulldogs begin play Sunday at Mount Olive College. The former Jamesville High School standout is looking for an even stronger season this year.
“Some of my goals are improving my stats and improving enough to play for a Division I college,” Jordan said. “Also, staying healthy and winning a conference championship (are goals). Practice has been going great (and) we have a very good team this year. I’m very excited about our season.”
In the other dugout will be former Columbia High School standout Kat Cahoon, who had a solid year with Mount Olive last season.
“Our team is starting to bond and come together,” Cahoon said. “One of my main goals is to become a consistent hitter in the box. I batted over .350 last year and I want to maintain that batting average to help the team. I want to use my leadership to run our team to the best of my ability. I have set the standards high for my team this year.
“As a team I want everyone to learn each others strengths and weaknesses and know how to communicate to one another. Communication and working together will get us our conference wins and then our regional wins. We all have to come together and learn how to play as ‘one heart beat.’"
Meredith Knox and her Anderson University Trojans will also be in action Sunday as they play host to Lincoln Memorial. Knox, a former star at Washington High School, was voted the conference Freshman of the Year last season.
“I think one of the main things I'm trying to do this year is not set goals that are too high,” Knox said. “By that I mean setting goals that don't put way too much pressure on me, because I am my own biggest critic. Yes, I had a pretty good freshman year, but one of my main struggles is that I can't keep comparing my performance this year to last.
“I guess my main goals are to just take every game, at bat, and ground ball one at a time and try to do my best to help my team make it farther than this school has ever been.”
Frannie Pittman, a former standout at Plymouth High School who has earned a couple awards during her college playing days, and the N.C. Central Eagles will be joined by East Carolina at a tournament hosted by the University of North Carolina. The Eagles open play Feb. 8 against Kent State in the tournament.
“My goals are to win games and learn more from my new coach,” Pittman said. “When it comes to practice, everything is going good and I can't wait until the first game against Kent State University.”
ECU will play N.C. Central in its first game at the tournament. Pirate seniors Beth Nolan and Erin St. Ledger are hoping for a hot start.
“I want to do everything I can to help the team, to have a winning record, win a conference championship, to get a bid to regionals and to bring my knowledge and experience to the team to help us succeed,” Nolan said. “Practice is going good and everything is starting to come together at the right time.”
St. Ledger, the team’s second baseman, is looking to avoid peaks and valleys this year.
“We're definitely trying to stay consistent throughout the year,” she said. “We have a really tough schedule, but we feel that is our ticket to get a regional bid.”
Meanwhile, ECU freshman Jillian Gallagher has been getting accustomed to the college game.
“I’ve been working on adjusting to the level of play here at ECU,” Gallagher said. “I’ve also been adjusting to the way coach (Tracey) Kee and Coach Koz (Natalie Kozlowski) want things to be done. Practice is going well. It’s a huge learning process for me along with the other freshman.”
A healthy Mika Gurganus is hoping to stay that way all season for the Barton College Bulldogs, who open the season Feb. 14 at home against N.C. Central. Gurganus, who will start at second base, has overcome a torn MCL, sprained meniscus and sprained LCL.
“To be honest, my biggest goal is to stay healthy,” said Gurganus, a former standout at Williamston High School. “I have not played a complete season yet because my freshman year I was out for a while with a head injury and my sophomore year I was taken out in a tournament by a dive at my knee. This year, as of right now, I am doing great and, hopefully, that will continue into the season.
“Another goal is to have a .275 batting average and have a great on-base percentage. Our coaches and players have great hopes for this season and, with a healthy team, we hope to have a fun-filled, winning season.”
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| Washington girls snap four-game skid |
