(This is an archive story, please refer to the byline for journalist's name)
By Carolina Luna
After two years, the Brewer Honeycombs get to experience some normality to their upcoming competition season. Due to Covid-19, the previous two years have been very different and difficult for the team and organization. However, with fewer Covid cases and regulations being lifted the team has gotten the opportunity to participate in this year’s competitions. Parents, team members, friends, and fans are ecstatic to watch the Honeycombs take the floor once more.
“Competition season is always exciting and busy! The biggest difference this year is that we are actually going to get to travel, and we are thrilled.” Director Alesha Walpole said.
Competition season looks very different from football season. It requires more time, practice and skill. The girls have put in many hours these past several weeks along with their usual practice hours. Because Covid regulations have changed, the Honeycombs have been working their hardest to perfect their routines and be ready to amaze their audience and judges at competitions this year.
“We have been blessed to get everything back that we had lost from covid, and we were very excited to have our whole team being able to travel and go to every game together as a whole.” First Lieutenant Kalegh Mendehall said.
Due to Covid regulations, the last couple of competitions have looked very different from previous years. The team has had to work hard and anticipate multiple possibilities throughout the year. The director, captain and officer line have pushed the team towards success for this competition season.
“I always have high expectations for my team because I know we are capable of anything.” Senior Captain Kaylie Hoverman-Crowdis said. “Covid gives us a collective reason to put everything we have into our competition season this year.”
Although this year has been a lot easier than the last two years, there have still been a few small problems the team has encountered. Early in the season, the Honeycombs were presumed to perform at pep rallies but due to the rise of covid cases, all pep rallies were canceled. Additionally, several team members missed practices due to covid.
Two-year member Kyla Luna mentions they encountered a problem which was not being able to have practice due to the weather and they had not fully learned their military routine before the first competition.
As previously mentioned, this will be the first competition season that is somewhat normal for the Honeycombs. In 2020, competitions were canceled and in 2021 they competed in their home studio and had judges come to them. This is an exciting time for the team, program and many seniors.
“Being one of the girls at the top of the pyramid and helping guide all of our new members through their first season, is definitely a little bittersweet to start it.” Star Lieutenant Cheyanne Crider said.
Competition season is in full swing this semester. The Honeycombs have prepared five routines, two of which are select routines. The team will be competing their Military, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pom and Novelty routines. The officer line will be competing in Pom, Jazz and Contemporary categories. There will also be 37 solos, four duets, and one small ensemble. Be sure to come to their next competitions to see them take the floor.
The Honeycombs will be competing and performing this season on the following dates and locations. On Feb.19 at Weatherford High School (state) March 26. in San Antonio (nationals) and on March 31. in Branson, MO (feature opening production).